NANJING (China), April 26: Taiwan opposition leader Lien Chan began a historic “journey of peace” to China on Tuesday, seeking reconciliation with an old enemy even as pro-independence supporters in Taipei protested against the trip. Mr Lien, the first chairman of the Nationalist Party, or Kuomintang (KMT), to set foot on Chinese soil since 1949, when the party was toppled by the communists and fled to Taiwan, was lavished with red-carpet treatment and flowers upon his arrival in the eastern Chinese city of Nanjing.

“Nanjing is not far from Taipei in space, but it has been more than 60 years since my last visit to Nanjing,” Mr Lien told a crowd gathered on the tarmac, referring to the Nationalists’ one-time capital.

“So, seeing you here this time, I have a feeling of regret for not seeing you any earlier.”

China views Taiwan as part of its territory and has pointed an estimated 700 missiles at the island, making the Taiwan Strait one of Asia’s most dangerous hot spots.

Tensions have been reignited by Beijing’s enactment of an anti-secession law last month, which sanctioned non-peaceful measures against Taiwan should it push for formal statehood.

In Taipei, protesters called Mr Lien “traitor!” and scuffled with riot police at the airport, infuriated that he appeared to be playing into Beijing’s strategy of wooing the pro-unification opposition to alienate independence-leaning Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian.

Mr Lien, whose KMT party supports unification with China, avoided the angry crowds who waved sticks, threw eggs, fired slingshots and lit firecrackers. Several protesters had bloodied foreheads.

Before leaving, Mr Lien said he hoped to use this visit to understand developments on the mainland and exchange views with mainland leaders on peace, and cultural and economic ties.

Mr Lien, a former Taiwan vice president who was born in the mainland, is scheduled to meet Chinese President Hu Jintao on Friday in the first rendezvous between the leaders of the two parties since they joined forces to fight the Japanese in World War Two.

Taiwan Presiden Chen Shui-bian wished Mr Lien well, but warned against entering agreements with Beijing.

“We welcome all efforts that help normalize cross-strait relations and reduce tension in the Taiwan Strait,” Mr Chen told Taiwan businesspeople in a speech.

“But any person, group or political party without authorization should not break the law and sign any agreement or consensus with the opposite side,” Mr Chen said.

MARKET APPROVAL: Despite the airport protest, which ended after the KMT delegation left, most opinion polls show the general public approves of Mr Lien’s visit to China and analysts say hopes are high that it will help reduce tensions between the military foes.