Taiwan's biggest opposition party, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), has launched its first discussion about its mainland policy, contrasting its long-standing stance of banning any contact with the mainland.

The Taipei-based United Daily reported yesterday the pro-independence DPP held a special meeting to discuss the party's mainland policy.

DPP chairwoman Tsai Ing-wen reportedly said that as the mainland has been frequently inviting DPP members to visit the mainland, the party should thoroughly discuss how to respond and "face the problem directly". She was quoted as saying that the DPP will keep its mainland policy distinct from that of the ruling Kuomintang (KMT).