The historic meeting last November between Ma and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Singapore – the first between top leaders of China and Taiwan since the Nationalists fled to the island and the Communist Party took power after the civil war in 1949 – may have been meant to demonstrate the cozy ties between Beijing and Taipei under the KMT rule and influence Taiwan’s elections, in which Tsai and the DPP held a strong lead over the Kuomintang and its candidate. Michael Reilly, a former British diplomat and Director of the British Trade and Cultural Office in Taiwan said: “As long as restrictions remain on the Church in China, Taiwan will continue to be an important base for formation, training and preparation of priests and religious working on the mainland”.
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The identity of modern-day Taiwanese can be summarized as: “Taiwan’s future is Taiwanese’ own choice”.
But concerns remain that Ms Tsai’s pro-independence party could strain the relationship with China. Past government experience includes positions on the Mainland Affairs Council and the National Security Council.
The reproduction of the story/photograph in any form will be liable for legal action. In the meantime, it did not mention any other “external forces” responsible for this outcome – such as a backlash against current President Ma Ying-jeou’s cross-strait policies.
In her victory speech, she vowed to preserve the status quo in relations with China, adding Beijing must respect Taiwan’s democracy and both sides must ensure there are no provocations. The new legislature convenes next month while Tsai is set to be inaugurated in May. Her economic agenda is focused an industrial policy, aiming to (1) strengthen Taiwan’s global competitiveness through innovation, (2) strengthen domestic industries to support growth momentum and (3) emphasise on onshore economic development.
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Chairperson and presidential candidate Tsai Ing-wen waves to supporters as they celebrate her election victory at the party’s headquarters in Taipei, Taiwan, Jan. 16, 2016.
The mainland is Taiwan’s largest trading partner, buying 40 per cent of its exports, even as the two remain military rivals.
On Friday, Tzuyu was featured in a video on JYP Entertainment’s YouTube page where she declared that “there is only one China”.
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Tsai mentioned Chou in her victory address to media, saying the case highlighted the importance of “strength and unity to those outside our borders”. Running for the third time, 73-year-old PFP Chairman Soong said he was pleased with the peaceful election as it reaffirms the value of Taiwan’s democracy. Hong reiterated that Taiwan is an inseparable part of Chinese territory and Taiwan affairs are China’s internal affairs.
