The leaders of China and Taiwan have met for the first time since the end of the Chinese Civil War more than 60 years ago.

Xi Jinping and Ma Ying-jeou have shaken hands during talks in the neutral venue of Singapore.

BBC reports that the Chinese president Mr Xi told the Taiwanese leader that "we are one family".

The two officials posed for media before commencing the talks in a hotel ballroom. A press conference is set to be held following the talks.

No major deals or agreements are expected to be reached during the largely symbolic talks.

While Taiwan has its own government, its political status has been contested, with China viewing the territory as a province that will one day become part of their territory again.

China has threatened military action if Taiwan declares independence.

In Taiwan itself there remains a split between those seeking independence, and others calling for reunification with China. Others again have promoted a continuation of the current 'status quo'.

Relations between the two countries have significantly improved since President Ma came to power in Taiwan in 2008.