Taiwanese and Chinese leaders have directly exchanged messages for the first time in 60 years amid warming ties, The Associated Press reported. A Nationalist party press statement says Monday's correspondence originated with a congratulatory message from Chinese President Hu Jintao to Taiwan's leader Ma Ying-jeou after he won an election for the ruling party's chairmanship. Ma was elected Sunday following months long efforts to improve ties with Beijing as president. The party statement says Hu also asked Ma to help bolster mutual trust between the rival sides and Ma urged Hu to promote cross-strait peace and stability.
