Taiwan to lift ban on civil servants' China travel

Taiwan will soon lift a ban on military personnel, civil servants and educators visiting China, local media reported on Saturday, the latest sign of warming relations between the political rivals.

The ban will remain in place for a small number of intelligence and national security officials, the China Times reported, citing remarks made on Friday by Premier Liu Chao-Shiuan.

"Even I myself will be able to go," Liu said, adding the ban would be lifted very soon.

Those previously affected will be able to travel to China for personal or work-related matters without needing official permission, he said.

China has claimed self-ruled Taiwan as its territory since the end of the Chinese civil war in 1949 and pledged to bring the island under its rule, by force if necessary.

But cross-strait relations have improved dramatically this year under the new China-friendly administration of President Ma Ying-jeou, who took office in May.

Earlier this week, the two sides launched direct daily passenger flights, as well as air and sea cargo links between Taiwan and China for the first time in six decades.

Next week, a pair of giant pandas -- a gift from China -- is also set to arrive in Taiwan, in the latest sign of improving ties.

(Reporting by Doug Young; Editing by David Fox)