Negotiators optimistic on cross-Straits service trade pact

Taiwan-based Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) Vice Chairman Kao Koong-lian (1st L) speaks at a consultation in Shanghai, east China, June 20, 2013. Chinese mainland's Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS) Executive Vice President Zheng Lizhong and Kao co-chaired the preliminary consultation of the ninth round of talks between chief negotiators from the Chinese mainland and Taiwan in Shanghai Thursday afternoon. [Xinhua/Chen Yehua]