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Taiwan presidential challenger admits defeat | |
(about 1 hour later) | |
Taiwan opposition candidate Tsai Ing-wen has admitted defeat in the island's presidential election. | |
Ms Tsai congratulated incumbent President Ma Ying-jeou on his victory and resigned as chairwoman of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). | |
Mr Ma had campaigned on his record of improving economic ties with neighbouring China. | |
China does not recognise Taiwan, regarding the island as a breakaway province. It wants unification. | |
"We accept the Taiwan people's decision and congratulate President Ma," Ms Tsai told party workers. | |
"We want to give our deepest apology to our supporters for our defeat." | |
Ms Tsai's DPP favours formal independence from China, although Beijing has repeatedly threatened retaliation if Taiwan makes such a move. | |
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 relations | Cross-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. | |
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 fear that Mr Ma's policies will pave the way for unification. | |
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. |
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. |