There is no doubt thatLien Chan, the Taiwaneseopposition leader, has made history with his visit to China. A politician repeatedlyrejected in elections by his own people has become a popular hero overnight on the Chinese mainland.

The 69-year-old Mr Lien's encounter with Hu Jintao, China's president, was the first between leaders of the Chinese Communist party and Mr Lien's Kuomintang in 60 years.