Taiwan’s present, future to work for smooth power transition

Taiwan’s President-elect Tsai Ing-wen, left, sits with incumbent President Ma Ying-jeou at the official guest house during a courtesy call in Taipei, Taiwan, Wednesday, March 30, 2016. Taiwan’s present and future presidents are emphasizing the need for a smooth transition of power amid an economic slowdown and sensitive relations with China. AP

TAIPEI, Taiwan — Taiwan’s present and future presidents are emphasizing the need for a smooth transition of power amid an economic slowdown and sensitive relations with China.

Incumbent President Ma Ying-jeou congratulated Tsai Ing-wen on her January election as the island republic’s first female head of state in their meeting Wednesday in Taipei.

Ma said Taiwan faces a range of challenges and both parties were responsible for ensuring the people’s welfare. Neither Ma or Tsai discussed specific issues in their opening remarks in front of reporters.

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Tsai, who will be inaugurated as president on May 20, has declined to meet Beijing’s demand that she explicitly endorse its claim that Taiwan and mainland China are part of a single Chinese nation. Beijing says ties will suffer if she refuses to make such an endorsement.