What The Mainland Media Say | Xi-Ma summit remains more symbolism than substance
Any real change of the status quo - or move towards reunification - must get the support of a majority of Taiwan's public
Symbolism over substance - that is how Beijing and Taipei are managing the first meeting of their top leaders in 70 years.
Yesterday's encounter between President Xi Jinping and his Taiwanese counterpart Ma Ying-jeou is the first since 1945 when Communist leader Mao Zedong met his Kuomintang foe Chiang Kai-shek in the wartime capital of Chongqing .
Officials have trumpeted the event with impressive sounding words such as "historic new charter", "breakthrough" and "milestone", but have been careful to avoid any political controversy or potential embarrassment.
Major state-run media outlets on the mainland have highlighted the historic significance of the event. Reports have emphasised the improvement in relations between Taiwan and the mainland since Ma assumed office, but have made no mention of his falling popularity nor the controversy in Taiwan surrounding the meeting.
said: "[The arrangements] in no way undermine the historic, milestone significance of the very first meeting of leaders on both sides of the Taiwan Strait".
said the meeting between Xi and Ma set a historical precedent: "History stops for this moment, which will become eternity."
While Xi and Ma, as politicians, will benefit from the event as it will boost their personal legacy, the world will also welcome the efforts to facilitate dialogue and reduce hostilities.
