Taiwan Moves Toward Closer Ties With China

Prez candidates favor warmer relations, despite Tibet violence

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Mar 20, 2008 8:39 AM CDT

(Newser) – Both candidates in Taiwan's presidential election Saturday favor mending fences with China, the Wall Street Journal reports. Beijing has recently eased its once-blustery rhetoric over the breakaway island, and both Taiwanese parties are betting that closer ties with the mainland's booming economy could help pull theirs out of a slump.

Taipei's current chief toed a hard line, curbing investment in China and fueling suspicions of the looming giant. The Nationalist candidate is seeking bolder moves toward reconciliation than his rival, even suggesting a cross-Strait common market—he had a big lead in the polls until riots in Tibet sparked fresh debate over how far China can be trusted.

Taiwan's opposition Nationalist Party presidential candidate Ma Ying-jeou wears lucky banner handed by supporters during a presidential election campaign rally, Thursday, March 20, 2008. (AP Photo)

Supporters of Taiwan's opposition Nationalist Party presidential candidate Ma Ying-jeou cheer during a campaign rally Thursday, March 20, 2008, in Kaohsiung County, Taiwan. (AP Photo/Vincent Yu)

A Tibetan woman cries during a vigil in support of Tibet in Taipei, Taiwan, Wednesday, March 19, 2008. (AP Photo/Wally Santana)

A supporter of Taiwan opposition Nationalist Party presidential candidate Ma Ying-jeou cheers during his campaign Thursday, March 20, 2008, in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. (AP Photo)

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Taiwan Moves Toward Closer Ties With China

Prez candidates favor warmer relations, despite Tibet violence

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Prez candidates favor warmer relations, despite Tibet violence

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

China • diplomacy • Taiwan • independence • Tibet • presidential candidates • election • Frank Hsieh • Ma Ying-jeou

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

Historic Talks Bring China, Taiwan Closer Than Ever

First high-level talks since 1949 yield trade agreements amid opposition protests

China,Taiwan Agree on Cross-Strait Flights

First talks in almost ten years reflect rapidly warming relations

China Rips Dalai Lama for Olympic 'Sabotage'

Leader plotting to hold games 'hostage,' says Beijing

Pro-China Party Wins in Taiwan

President-elect Ma favors reunification with (a democratic) China

Taiwan Re-Elects China-Friendly Prez

Ma Ying-jeou promises 'sovereignty,' more economic ties with mainland

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Newser By Users

Community

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