WikiLeaks: Ma sees Taiwan-China political talks

According to an American diplomatic cable, Taiwan's President told the outgoing head of the US Pacific Command that "activities" by China's People's Liberation Army could force the island into political talks with Beijing.

An American diplomatic cable says that Taiwan's President told the outgoing head of the US Pacific Command that "activities" by China's People's Liberation Army could force the island into political talks with Beijing.

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The cable released by WikiLeaks this week describes a meeting between Ma Ying-jeou and Adm. (Ret.) Timothy Keating on December 15, 2009 weeks after Keating left his WikiLeaks .

It cites Ma suggesting that "PLA activities in recent months demonstrated that Taiwan may need to move beyond economic discussions into political discussions with the mainland."

Ma has presided over expanded economic dialogue with Beijing, but many Taiwanese see political talks as undermining their de facto independence.

The sides split amid civil war in 1949.