I am confused
China today hinted that cross strait talks could happen once president-elect
Ma Ying-jeou takes office, but stopped short of directly confirming what
could be landmark discussions. Li Weiyi, spokesman for China's Taiwan Affairs Office, was asked at a news conference whether conditions would be right after May 20 -- when Ma takes office -- for talks.
---
*but stopped short of directly confirming what
could be landmark discussions.
↑what is this sentence means
--
*domasla said:
'to stop short' = to stop your movement abruptly (/suddenly) before reaching your goal (or: just before something is changed or affected).

I am grateful to him for the explaination.
*but I still can not get the meaning of sentence.
Li Weiyi hinted cross strait talk could happened,and he stoped abrubtly.
This to be directly confirmed to landmark discussions by reporter??
thank you

Question

I am confused
China today hinted that cross strait talks could happen once president-elect 
Ma Ying-jeou takes office, but stopped short of directly confirming what 
could be landmark discussions. Li Weiyi, spokesman for China's Taiwan Affairs Office, was asked at a news conference whether conditions would be right after May 20 -- when Ma takes office -- for talks. 
---
*but stopped short of directly confirming what 
could be landmark discussions. 
↑what is this sentence means 
--
*domasla said:
'to stop short' = to stop your movement abruptly (/suddenly) before reaching your goal (or: just before something is changed or affected).

I am grateful to him for the explaination. 
*but I still can not get the meaning of sentence. 
Li Weiyi hinted cross strait talk could happened,and he stoped abrubtly.
This to be directly confirmed to landmark discussions by reporter??
thank you

Answer

Sounds like someone telling you a couple entered hotel, but did not tell you what happens after that. Leaving you to guess whether the couple is there to have dinner, meeting some friends or staying there... The purpose is two fold, they did not commit what they are going to talk about and/or trying to tell the people that they are going to do something.

Answer

To stop short = not to go as far as one could or would like to go.  In this case, China suggested that talks could happen, but did not confirm that talks are planned.  As such, China "stopped short" of confirming any talks.

"Landmark discussions"  Are discussions that are significant because they are the first discussion on a subject, and would be of historic importance.

I hope this helps.

Answer

There was a hint about 'cross strait talks'.

But the hint didn't reveal (/tell) about the topics of these talks.

They 'stopped short' before it came to the topics. The topics of conversation were not mentioned. They are still missing. The statement is incomplete. 'Left the press hungry...'

Answers · 3

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