Taiwan's new president took office Tuesday and set the tone for his administration's policy on rival China: better economic and political ties but no plans for unification with the mainland.The inauguration of Ma Ying-jeou, 57, represents a clear break from the eight-year presidency of Chen Shui-bian, whose confrontational pro-independence policies often led to friction with Beijing — and with the United States, Taiwan's most important foreign partner.
Addressing political leaders and representatives from Taiwan's dwindling cadre of diplomatic allies, Ma exhorted Beijing to seize the chance created by his March election victory to build a better future for people on both sides of the 100-mile-wide Taiwan Strait.
"(I) hope that the two sides can use this rare historical opportunity," he said. "Let's open a new page of peace and prosperity."
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