Taiwan Seeks the remains of the pilots killed in China (AFP)

TAIPEI (AFP)-Taiwan is seeking the return of the remains of dozens of pilots downed while carrying the secretive U.S.-sponsored missions over mainland China during the cold war, officials said Sunday.

"Any possible measures will be assessed to ensure that the remains of those people who have died for the country will be returned and honored here as soon as possible," spokesman for the Taiwan Defence Ministry David Lo told AFP.

"At the moment, is the most feasible way for scholars of the Commission and conduct fact-finding trips to the Mainland," he said, in another sign of the ties between the two former bitter rivals rapid warming.

The Kuomintang government fled to Taiwan after its troops were defeated by Chinese Communist forces led by Mao Zedong at the end of a civil war in 1949.

Over the years ' 50-years ' 70, Taiwan's air force has set up two special units under the assistance of the US Central Intelligence Agency to spy on rival China-34th and 35th squadrons, both based at Hsinchu air base.

The 34 Squadron, better known as the Squadron "black Bat" as their missions were carried out always at night, flew over the Chinese mainland at very low altitude radar duck of the people's Liberation Army.

Local newspapers said 14 planes P-2V produced and B-17 Squadron were shot down or crashed during more than 10 years, ending in 1967, killing 148.

They said that the squadron had flown to Xinqiang and photographs of China's nuclear test sites, which has stunned the United States.

Newspapers said four Taiwanese pilots affiliated to the 35th Squadron, or Squadron "black cat", lost his life while flying the U2 aircraft to the Mainland from 1961 to 74.

The U2 spy plane is a legendary reconnaissance aircraft capable of cruising at an altitude of 70,000 feet (21,000 meters).

Two pilots were shot down and Black Cat taken prisoner and held in prison for 20 years.

Military analysts say that Taiwan has secured a large amount of help they need from the United States through the sharing of information on Chinese military countered.

Tensions have eased between Taipei and Beijing since Ma Ying-jeou came to power in 2008, pledging to beef up trade and allowing more Chinese tourists.

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