Mainland is economic lifeline for Taiwan: Ma

The mainland is playing a crucial role in helping Taiwan out of an economic downturn, island leader Ma Ying-jeou said yesterday.

In an interview with Radio Taiwan International broadcast live to the mainland, he also said he would continue to push for better cross-Straits ties.

Expounding his mainland policy in the first ever radio program targeting listeners across the Straits, Ma said that the mainland - Taiwan's largest trade partner and biggest export market - is vital to the island's economy.