Tsai's choice critical for cross-Straits ties

Over the past 16 years cross-Straits ties have experienced both bad and good times.

The relationship was once almost frozen, with both sides trading barbs, due to the secessionist push by Chen Shui-bian and his "pro-independence" Democratic Progressive Party from 2000 to 2008.

It then began to warm up after Ma Ying-jeou from the mainland-friendly Kuomintang party came to power on the island in 2008. He fostered closer exchanges in a wide range of sectors including the economy, culture, education and tourism.