China's President Xi Jinping will meet with the Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou in a historic summit in Singapore on Saturday, the first meeting between the leaders of both countries.
The leaders said the talks would focus on bilateral ties. China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and does not officially recognise its independence.
Taiwanese spokesman Chen Yi-hsin said President Ma's aim was "to promote peace cross the Taiwan Strait and maintain status quo".
"No agreement will be signed, and no statement issued," he said.
The US reacted positively to the meeting, with White House spokespersonJosh Earnest saying although the US welcomed any steps to reduce tensions and improve relations, that "We'll have to see what actually comes out of the meeting."
