In another sign of fast-warming ties between the rivals, Taiwan's education ministry decided last week that from the next autumn term local colleges and universities will be allowed to take in up to 2,000 mainland students.

The move has sparked strong objections from the opposition Democratic Progressive Party, which warned that an influx of mainland students could pose a threat to national security and worsen unemployment.

But Ma, who initiated the island's detente with Beijing since he took office in 2008, insisted the policy would be in Taiwan's interest.

"These students may become good friends of Taiwan after they return to the mainland," he said after hearing a report during a meeting of the ruling Kuomintang party which he leads.

"So allowing more mainland students to study here may facilitate understanding between the two sides and eventually may help solve the disputes" that have split Taiwan and the mainland since 1949 at the end of a civil war, Ma said.

Taiwan's parliament in January passed a bill to admit the first batch of Chinese students, with a number of restrictions in place, such as barring them from working and from applying for state scholarships to protect the rights of locals.

Taiwanese students have been enrolling at mainland universities for years, attracted by China's rising international clout and relatively low tuition fees.

Officials on both sides have pledged to promote cultural and educational ties after a series of measures to boost trade links in recent years.

Despite the easing of tensions, Beijing still considers the island part of its territory to be taken back by force if necessary.

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