May 22 (Bloomberg) -- The Roman Catholic Church and the Chinese government have held half a dozen unofficial meetings since early last year and are exploring re-establishing diplomatic relations, the International Herald Tribune reported.

China is a priority for Pope Benedict XVI, who is contemplating a trip there, the newspaper said. Talks began under John Paul II, who met with an unofficial delegation at the Vatican in late 2004. Diplomatic ties were severed in 1951.

In the talks, China has indicated it may allow the Vatican to nominate bishops for the Chinese church, the Tribune said. China's 4 million Catholics officially must worship at state- approved churches whose priests pledge allegiance to the state, not the pope. The Vatican has also shown willingness to sever diplomatic ties with Taiwan, the newspaper said.

The Catholic aid group the Community of Sant'Egidio, officials from China's policy research groups and the Chinese Communist Party School have led the talks, the newspaper said.

(International Herald Tribune 5-22)

To contact the reporter on this story: Margot Habiby in Dallas at mhabiby@bloomberg.net.

Last Updated: May 22, 2005 10:27 EDT