Taiwan's Tsai says democratic principles will rule ties with China

Taiwanese President Ma Ying-Jeou (R) shakes hands with President-elect Tsai Ing-wen (L) after discussing the transfer of power in a meeting in Taipei, Taiwan March 30, 2016. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu

TAIPEI (Reuters) - Taiwan President-elect Tsai Ing-wen said she will maintain the status quo in the island's relationship with China, but that her policy will be based on democratic principles and transcend party politics, a nuance likely to be lost on Communist Party leaders in Beijing.

China regards self-ruled Taiwan as a wayward province to be taken back by force if necessary and wants the new government to stick to the "one China" policy agreed upon with the outgoing China-friendly Nationalist government.