This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/int/news/-/news/world-asia-16557209

The article has changed 8 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 4 Version 5
Taiwan president Ma Ying-jeou claims victory Taiwan presidential challenger admits defeat
(about 1 hour later)
Taiwan's incumbent President, Ma Ying-jeou, has claimed victory in the country's presidential election, with more than 80% of the votes counted. Taiwan opposition candidate Tsai Ing-wen has admitted defeat in the island's presidential election.
The election is likely to shape the island's key relationship with China. Ms Tsai congratulated incumbent President Ma Ying-jeou on his victory and resigned as chairwoman of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
Mr Ma, who is seeking his second term, is six percentage points ahead of his main challenger, Tsai Ing-wen. Mr Ma had campaigned on his record of improving economic ties with neighbouring China.
Mr Ma has greatly improved ties with China, but Ms Tsai says his approach could endanger Taiwan's sovereignty, which China does not recognise. China does not recognise Taiwan, regarding the island as a breakaway province. It wants unification.
China regards the island as a breakaway province and wants unification. "We accept the Taiwan people's decision and congratulate President Ma," Ms Tsai told party workers.
A third contender, James Soong, has taken less than 3% of the votes cast, the TV reports said. "We want to give our deepest apology to our supporters for our defeat."
He is a former senior figure in Mr Ma's party, the Kuomintang (KMT), who observers say could take votes away from the incumbent. Ms Tsai's DPP favours formal independence from China, although Beijing has repeatedly threatened retaliation if Taiwan makes such a move.
Local election watchers are predicting a turnout of 76% to 80% of the more than 18m registered voters on the island. In her campaign, she stressed economic issues and downplayed the pro-independence stance.
With about 90% of votes counted, Taiwan's Central Election Commission said Mr Ma had won 51% against 46.3% for Ms Tsai.
A third contender, James Soong, once a senior figure in Mr Ma's party, the Kuomintang (KMT), had 2.7%.
"This is not my personal victory, the victory belongs to all Taiwanese," Mr Ma told jubilant supporters in central Taipei.
"They told us that we are on the right track."
Cross-strait relationsCross-strait relations
Taiwan has been suffering its worst economic downturn in decades and unemployment has been rising.Taiwan has been suffering its worst economic downturn in decades and unemployment has been rising.
However, most voters still view relations with China as the most important issue.However, most voters still view relations with China as the most important issue.
During Mr Ma's presidency, regular direct flights and shipping links have been established with China and a landmark trade deal has been signed that cuts tariffs on hundreds of Taiwanese exports to the mainland. During Mr Ma's presidency regular direct flights and shipping links have been established with China and a landmark trade deal has been signed that cuts tariffs on hundreds of Taiwanese exports to the mainland.
Mr Ma, 61, said a vote for him was a vote for peace.Mr Ma, 61, said a vote for him was a vote for peace.
But some voters are concerned that Mr Ma's policies will pave the way for unification with the mainland. But some voters fear that Mr Ma's policies will pave the way for unification.
"I feel calm and hopeful," said Hwang Shiu-mei, a mother of three who waited to vote at a polling station in Taipei.
"I hope we can see a win-win situation with China in the coming four years. We don't want to see a stalemate and hope for a better economy, along with peace and stabilility."
Ms Tsai and Mr Ma both cast their votes early in the capital.Ms Tsai and Mr Ma both cast their votes early in the capital.
"I'm very happy, I urge everyone to come out early and vote. This weather should help the voting rate," Mr Ma told reporters at his polling station in a Taipei church as the light rain eased."I'm very happy, I urge everyone to come out early and vote. This weather should help the voting rate," Mr Ma told reporters at his polling station in a Taipei church as the light rain eased.
Ms Tsai, casting her ballot at a school in a Taipei suburb, said she was prepared to become the first female president of Taiwan.
Asked for further details, she said: "I hope we will be able to give you a full explanation after the vote is counted."
Ms Tsai's Democratic Progressive Party favours Taiwan's formal independence from China.
Despite that, she has made overtures to the mainland, saying that she is not against negotiating with China on economic and other matters as long as it does not affect Taiwan's sovereignty.
Potential flashpoint
China nonetheless remains suspicious of her and her party.
Beijing has 1,500 missiles aimed at the island to deter any attempt to declare independence.Beijing has 1,500 missiles aimed at the island to deter any attempt to declare independence.
The United States, which is a key ally of Taiwan, will also be watching the outcome of the vote closely.The United States, which is a key ally of Taiwan, will also be watching the outcome of the vote closely.
Under the Taiwan relations act passed by the US Congress in 1979, the US is obliged to come to the defence of the island if it is attacked by any other party.Under the Taiwan relations act passed by the US Congress in 1979, the US is obliged to come to the defence of the island if it is attacked by any other party.
While Washington has not openly endorsed Mr Ma, observers say it is an open secret that the US prefers his approach to China.While Washington has not openly endorsed Mr Ma, observers say it is an open secret that the US prefers his approach to China.