The electorate of Taiwan has opted for a pro-Chinese leader in their presidential election. Nationalist Party leader, Ma Ying-jeou won the presidential election for a comfortable margin by garnering 58% votes against his opponent Frank Hsieh 42%, signaling a new era for stronger economic ties with China. Urgent economic needs of the country, which could not keep pace with China in terms of international trade, have influenced people to plump for Ma Ying-jeou. Even though Hsieh’s campaign promised better ties with China, was not well received by the electorate because in the past five years the economy has witnessed a downturn, as far as international trade is concerned.
Soon after the loss, the Democratic Progressive Party leader, Hsieh stated that the loss was a personal one, but added that it was not a loss for the country. Analysts believe that the statement reflects a complete volte face to Hsieh’s economic policies and strongly suggest that he would provide constructive support to the new government’s pro-China trade policies. But some believe that anti-incumbency factor has played in favor of Ma’s victory and the promises would be hard to keep if the government presses for the UN membership. China and other countries; including the US has cited that the membership would escalate tension in the region. But the recent stand-off by China with Tibet may urge China to be lenient towards Taiwan.
Taiwanese, by and large are willing to be the part of China, the moment China becomes a democracy. Taiwan mainly comprises of ethnic Chinese and many people culturally feel closer to mainland China. The tussle between China’s unification call and the separate independent statehood claims by Taiwan since 1940 have vexed bilateral relations and the country is in an ambiguous status. Many want to prolong with the ambiguous status to improve bilateral trade and relations until China turns democratic. The new government is expected to bring about policy changes to encourage foreign investments and also expected remove restrictions on limited investments in China by Taiwanese businesses.