Tsai ought to abide by reality island is part of one China

It should be clear to everybody why Taiwan and its leadership are in such an embarrassing position when it comes to the island's relationship with the Chinese mainland.

The previously warm and close relations across the Taiwan Straits would not have come to an abrupt end had local leader Tsai Ing-wen not pursued a stubborn pro-independence, anti-mainland policy.

Yet ignoring the vote of no confidence in the course she has chosen that was delivered in the recent local elections on the island, there was no indication throughout Tsai's New Year's address on Monday that she has any intention of changing tack.