It will be conducive for the mainland and Taiwan to widen and deepen their cooperation, not only in business and trade, but also in the cultural sector, Xu Xue, a researcher at the Taiwan Studies Institute at Xiamen University, told the Global Times.

Despite the trip being unofficial, Cai's visit to Taiwan exhibits a willingness on both sides to explore cooperation in new fields after progress was made in trade over the past decade, Xu said.

Hsieh Chi-ta, a former local legislator in Taiwan, told the Global Times that given the solid foundation that had been made, it's time to expand and strengthen cultural exchange at a higher level.

"People across the Straits share the same cultural and kindred ties. The exploration of Taiwan people in the cultural industry might prove useful for their mainland counterparts," Hsieh said, urging further opening of the market on the mainland to facilitate exchange.

Her idea was echoed by Yang Tu, secretary-general of the National Cultural Association in Taipei, who was quoted by China Review News as saying that Taiwan gave more access to cultural en-terprises from the mainland to its market, but publishers or advertisers from Taiwan have found it difficult to enter the mainland market.

Hsieh said he expects that forthcoming discussions could address the issue of an open market for the cultural sector, as he believes that it is a prerequisite for mutually beneficial exchange.

Issues such as intellectual property rights protection will also be included in the high-level talks, according to Xu.