Taiwan, China swap spy prisoners

(Baonghean.vn) - On November 30, the Taiwanese government said it had exchanged with China a number of detained spies, in an unprecedented show of goodwill since the historic meeting between leaders of the two sides of the Taiwan Strait.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (right) and Taiwanese leader Ma Ying-jeou met in Singapore on November 7. Photo: AP

China has released Colonel Zhu Gongxun and Xu Changguo of Taiwan's Military Intelligence Bureau after more than nine years of detention. Taiwan has also released Chinese spy Li Zhihao, according to a statement from Taiwan's presidential office.

“The exchange followed a goodwill meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou. Ma hopes similar exchanges will continue in the future,” said Taiwan Presidential Office spokesman Charles Chen.

Earlier this month, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Taiwanese leader Ma Ying-jeou held a historic meeting for the first time in 60 years, taking place amid rising anti-China sentiment on the island ahead of elections.

Ma Ying-jeou's ruling Kuomintang (KMT) retreated to Taiwan after losing the civil war in 1949, leaving the Communist Party in control of Beijing. China has not renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan back under mainland control.

Phuong Thao

(According to Reuters)