In another attempt by Beijing to show goodwill to Taiwan ahead of elections there on Jan. 11, China's largely rubber-stamp parliament on Saturday revised a law to simplify investment procedures for Taiwanese companies.
China is Taiwan's favorite investment destination. Taiwanese companies have invested more than $100 billion there since China began landmark economic reforms in the late 1970s, drawn by a common culture and low costs.
China has extended what it views as olive branches to Taiwan in the run-up to the election, including opening further sectors to Taiwanese investors, with the ultimate goal of enticing the island to accept Beijing's control.