Taiwan and China to hold historic summit in Singapore

Taiwan's President Ma Ying-jeou will meet his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in Singapore on Saturday - the first ever meeting between leaders of the two sides.

Both said the talks would focus on relations across the Taiwan Straits.

China has claimed sovereignty over Taiwan since 1949, when the Nationalist government fled to the island after defeat by the Communists.

However, ties have improved since President Ma took office in 2008.The Chinese government threatens to use military force against Taiwan if it attempts to gain outright independence.

Taiwanese spokesman Chen Yi-hsin said President Ma's aim was "to promote peace cross the Taiwan Strait and maintain status quo".

White House spokesman Josh Earnest said the U.S. welcomed any steps to reduce tensions and improve relations, but added: "We'll have to see what actually comes out of the meeting."