CHONGQING China (Reuters) - China and Taiwan signed a historic deal on Tuesday to boost $100 billion in two-way trade after decades of hostility, easing political ties while putting the export-reliant island closer to its biggest market.

The strongest tie-up between self-ruled Taiwan and China, which claims sovereignty over the island, will slash tariffs on about 800 items. It heavily favors Taiwan as economic powerhouse China seeks to offer sweeteners toward its goal of political unification.

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