KINMEN POLICE STAND GUARD IN FRONT OF A CHINA RED CROSS SHIP, 2000-12-28 (photo)

Taiwanese policemen from the frontline island of Kinmen face Chinese nationals aboard a mainland Chinese Red Cross ship December 28, 2000. The Chinese Red Cross vessel arrived to pick up the body of a drowned mainland Chinese fisherman, despite an official ban on contact between the two countries. The Chinese national died while fishing in the Taiwan Strait, and his body floated to Kinmen. Taiwan is prepared to ease a decades-old ban on direct trade and travel between Kinmen and another outlying island of Matsu and mainland cities as part of efforts to improve relations with rival China. SK/JD