A Chinese delegation has begun a five-day visit to Taiwan aimed at boosting economic ties between the two longtime rivals.

Chen Yunlin, who heads China's Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait, arrived in Taipei Monday and is the highest-ranking Chinese official to visit the island since the two sides split during a civil war in 1949.

Chen and his 60-member delegation is expected to focus on finding ways to cooperate in fighting the global financial crisis, and opening cargo shipping links. They also will discuss expanding direct passenger and cargo flights.

Chen says economic talks are crucial to building trust between the two sides.

Although many in Taiwan welcome the warming of relations with China, some fear Beijing may use the increased ties to exert more political influence over the island.