**The leaders of China and Taiwan have exchanged direct messages for the first time in more than 60 years.**China’s President Hu Jintao sent his Taiwanese counterpart Ma Ying-jeou a telegram congratulating him on his election to head of the ruling party.
Mr Ma responded, suggesting that they “put aside disputes”, a statement from Mr Ma’s KMT party said.
Mr Ma was elected president last year on pledges to improve ties. The two sides split in 1949 amid civil war.