Taiwan's Ma says ending China standoff a must for economy

Taiwan's President Ma Ying-jeou says Taiwan needs to end the political standoff with China if its economy is to do well - AFP Photo.

TAIPEI: Ending Taiwan's political standoff with mainland China is necessary to boost Taiwan's sagging economy and to help it integrate more effectively with the region, President Ma Ying-jeou said.

China considers Taiwan a renegade province and has not ruled out the use of force to bring the island under its control. Economic ties, however, have grown considerably in recent years, especially since Ma took office in 2008.