More hopes on Ma

Ma Ying-jeou's election as chairman of the Kuomintang (KMT) yesterday is set to inject a new momentum into the developing relations between Taiwan and the mainland. Hopes have grown for him to do more and move further. And doubling as chief of KMT and island leader, he could draw more support for his cross-Straits policies and implement them more effectively.

Cross-Straits relations have improved dramatically since Ma became Taiwan leader in May 2008 after the ouster of Chen Shui-bian, who had pushed for the island's independence during his eight-year rule. Within two months of Ma assuming office, the two sides agreed to launch weekend charter flights.

Ma's efforts have paid off both economically and politically. Nearly 400,000 mainlanders have visited the island so far, earning $768 million in revenue for the local tourism industry. And Ma's success has helped raise his popularity rating on the island.