China's Kuomintang (KMT) and People First Party in Taiwan held their first ever talks on the issue of merger between the two political parties here Thursday.

A possible merger between the two parties has, once again, become a hot topic immediately after the local elections in Taiwan on Dec. 3, which ended up with a victory for KMT candidates who reaped 14 of the 23 mayoral positions.

A five-member PFP team had a close-door meeting with KMT Chairman Ma Ying-jeou and other senior KMT officials.

The talks is merely a preparative meeting for the upcoming summit of the two parties, said a KMT spokesperson, adding that the two parties will push forward the cooperation and merger after the summit.

There are still many problems hindering the merger of the two parties, such as the future position of PFP Chairman James Soong, according to local media.

(Xinhua News Agency December 9, 2005)