In Taiwan

BRIDGES are symbols of transcendence, bridging distances and differences - often over troubled waters.

In local politics, bridges may sometimes be indicative of pork-barrel politics. In Sarah Palin's Alaska State, the much-discussed "bridge to nowhere" is an example of such populist (but not always necessary) public work projects.

But in international relations, or the realm of disputed territories, bridges can be quite a different proposition.

So when Taiwan's president Ma Ying-jeou asked about the pros and cons of building a bridge to link a part of Taiwan territory to China, the symbolism was too much for many to bear.

The place in question was Kinmen, a quirky remnant of the Civil War between the Chinese Communist Party and the Kuomintang fought in the 1940s. 

Now, Kinmen is actually mere kilometres from Xiamen in Fujian Province, much nearer China than Taiwan. But it is under Taiwanese control - the Kuomintang lost the Mainland to the Communists, but fled to Taiwan and wrested control of Kinmen and Matsu, which are both closer to the Mainland. 

For years, Kinmen took the brunt of China-Taiwan hostilities, with the Mainland often dropping shells on Taiwan's little military outpost. 

But now with the China-friendly Mr Ma in power, relations between China and Taiwan have improved.  

Last December, direct shipping, postal and air links were started between the two sides. Now there is talk of deeper economic co-operation through a common market pact. 

For a while now, the Kinmen local authorities have been eyeing a bridge to Xiamen as a way to increase economic opportunities. The bridge could also serve as a conduit for drinking water from Xiamen to Kinmen. 

If it is just between one Taiwanese county to the next, the bridge is just about the central government spreading wealth to the localities. 

But because it is Kinmen, which is literally at the forefront of cross-strait ties, it would be the most potent symbol of reconciliation between the former enemies across the Taiwan Strait yet.

Some though, it's taking one bridging step too far. 

Many Taiwanese are disturbed at the speed with which both sides across the Taiwan Strait have moved closer since Mr Ma took power in May. They worry that Taiwan may be over-relying on China economically.

Mr Ma's spokesman has had to come out to clarify that he has not given the green light to the bridge proposal, but has simply asked about the progress of a feasibility study.

Looks like the uncertain ground underlines how, even though the two former foes have moved closer, it will be a while before they build enough trust to bridge over differences.