The election did mark a major change at the local level of politics on Taiwan, but its long-term significance remains unclear.

ECONOMIST: Taiwan and the Asian crisis

But the nature of American politics, and, in the case of arming Taiwan, American law, gives American presidents little practical option but to aggravate China on these issues.

ECONOMIST: Banyan

Tsai Ing-wen is changing the political balance of power and the nature of politics in Taiwan.

FORBES: Names You Need to Know: Tsai Ing-wen, Pathbreaking Politician

Since taking over from Mr Lee, Mr Lien has in the past year led the party back to its roots, much to the bewilderment of commentators who believed that 12 years of Mr Lee had banished the idea of reunification to the fringe of Taiwan's politics.

ECONOMIST: Taiwan

The extent to which multi-party politics in Taiwan has matured is evident in the results of the November 1997 elections for mayors and magistrates.

ECONOMIST: Taiwan and the Asian crisis