Tension between China and Taiwan is one of the more troubling matters in geopolitical affairs. Now AsiaNews reports that trade between China and Taiwas increased by 15 percent in the first half of 2006.

It’s been said that “where goods cross borders, armies don’t,” a reference to the fact that historically nations mercial ties rarely go to war against each other. Without reading too much into one trade report, it may be a hopeful sign for the prospects of peace in southeast Asia.