Balancing act: Elections spell continuity in China-Taiwan relations

President Ma, elected to a second term last month, risks being caught between a more balanced legislature and great expectations from Beijing. Let the headaches begin ...

President Ma Ying-jeou's (馬英九) re-election on Jan. 14 should not be read as desire by Taiwanese for political negotiations with China on Taiwan's future. Despite his victory, Ma will face many more constraints during his second term, which could test Beijing's patience, as the latter expects political negotiations to begin. Domestic issues, more than cross-strait relations, will remain the key factor in Taiwanese politics during Ma's next term.

My article, published today in Jane's Intelligence Review, can be accessed here (subscription required).