Chen Yunlin (R), president of the mainland-based Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS), shakes hands with Chiang Pin-kung (L), chairman of the Taiwan-based Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF), before talks began in north China's Tianjin Municipality, Oct 20, 2011.?[Photo/Asinaewsphoto]

TIANJIN- Negotiators of the mainland-based Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS) and the Taiwan-based Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) started a new round of talks Thursday morning in the mainland's northern city of Tianjin.

This is the seventh round of talks between the two sides over the past three years.

A signing ceremony is scheduled for Thursday afternoon during which the two sides are expected to sign a new agreement between the mainland and Taiwan.