Taiwan elects its first female president; China warns of 'grave challenges'

By Katie Hunt and Kristie Lu Stout, CNN

Taipei (CNN)Taiwan has elected its first female president in a landmark election that could unsettle relations with Beijing.

Tsai Ing-wen, leader of the opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), won the presidency with 56.1% of the vote, the official Central News Agency said, after eight years under the government of the pro-China Kuomintang (KMT) or Nationalist Party.

Eric Chu, the Nationalist Party candidate in Taiwan's presidential election conceded defeat late Saturday and congratulated rival Tsai Ing-wen on her victory, the agency added.

Her supporters filled streets, waving party banners and cheering to victory announcements made from a stage.

The election also marked the first time the KMT has lost control of the island's legislature. The DPP took 68 of the 113 seats in Taiwan's parliament compared to the DPP's 35.

At a post-election news conference, Tsai underscored Taiwan's commitment to democracy, calling it a value "deeply engrained in the Taiwanese people."

"Our democratic way of life is forever the resolve of Taiwan's 23 million people," she said.

But later in her speech, she also acknowledged the tenuous relationship with Beijing, saying both sides "have a responsibility to do their utmost to find mutually acceptable ways to interact ... and ensure no provocation and no surprises."

Kristie Lu Stout CNN ✔ @klustout

"Only through strength, can we gain more respect and protect our people & way of life." - Tsai Ing-wen to @CNNi #Taiwan2016 #TaiwanElection

9:14 PM - 16 Jan 2016

'Grave challenges'

An editorial carried on China's official Xinhua news agency said there was "no denying that the DPP's return rule poses grave challenges to cross-strait relations."

And a statement from China's Taiwan Affairs Office quoted by Xinhua said it resolutely opposed "any form of secessionist activities seeking 'Taiwan independence.'"

Tsai's DPP has traditionally leaned in favor of independence for the island from mainland China.

That could anger Beijing, which views Taiwan as an integral part of its territory that is to be taken by force if necessary. Beijing has missiles pointed at the island.

"I voted for DPP, because it's very critical time for the Taiwan people. We have our own democracy systems, we will not be influenced by China," said Tsai Cheng-an, a 55-year-old Taipei professor.

Kristie Lu Stout CNN ✔ @klustout

At a Taipei polling station. Some voters tell me they are here to assert their Taiwanese identity. #TaiwanElection 

11:25 AM - 16 Jan 2016

The KMT forged closer ties with China under President Ma Ying-jeou. The new president will take over from Ma, who will step down on May 20 after serving two four-year terms.

China and Taiwan -- officially the People's Republic of China and the Republic of China -- separated in 1949 following the Communist victory on the mainland in the civil war.

The two sides have been governed separately since, though a shared cultural and linguistic heritage mostly endures -- with Mandarin spoken as the official language in both places.

The sides have agreed since 1992 on a "one China" policy, in which both governments claim sovereignty over mainland China and Taiwan -- but crucially neither recognizes the other's legitimacy.

"I voted for KMT because they are less likely to provoke cross-strait troubles. They want peace. That's why I chose them. We've lived through war, and it was not easy," said Chen, 83, a military veteran who declined to give his full name.

Taiwan's freewheeling democracy stands in sharp contrast to China's one-party state, and a cast of colorful candidates are contesting seats -- they include an ex-convict, an alleged spy and the front man of Asia's biggest death metal band.

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