Taiwan has elected its first female President, Tsai Ing-wen, leader of the opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), after May 20 under the government of the pro-China Kuomintang (KMT) Party. The DPP has traditionally leaned in favour of independence for the island from mainland China. At a post-election news conference, Tsai emphasised Taiwan's commitment to democracy and acknowledged the tenuous relationship with China, pledging to maintain the "status quo", and saying both sides "have a responsibility to do their utmost to find mutually acceptable ways to interact... and ensure no provocation and no surprises". According to a strongly-worded editorial from China's official news agency, Xinhua, there was "no denying that the DPP's return rule poses grave challenges to cross-strait relations" and a statement from China's Taiwan Affairs Office warned that it would "resolutely oppose any form of secessionist activities seeking Taiwan independence". The landslide victory for the DPP reflects, among other things, growing concerns by Taiwanese people over the increasing economic dependence on China.
Taiwan has elected its first female President, Tsai Ing-wen, leader of the opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), after eight years under the government of the pro-China Kuomintang (KMT) Party. The DPP has traditionally leaned in favour of independence for the island from mainland China. At a post-election news conference, Tsai emphasised Taiwan's commitment to democracy and acknowledged the tenuous relationship with China, pledging to maintain the "status quo", and saying both sides "have a responsibility to do their utmost to find mutually acceptable ways to interact... and ensure no provocation and no surprises". According to a strongly-worded editorial from China's official news agency, Xinhua, there was "no denying that the DPP's return rule poses grave challenges to cross-strait relations" and a statement from China's Taiwan Affairs Office warned that it would "resolutely oppose any form of secessionist activities seeking Taiwan independence". The landslide victory for the DPP reflects, among other things, growing concerns by Taiwanese people over the increasing economic dependence on China.