Taiwan elects first female president

Tsai Ing-wen has been elected Taiwan`s first female president.

Ms Tsai, 59, represents Taiwan`s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) which leads the camp that wants independence from China, reports BBC.

Although she has not made her stance clear, opponents say Taiwan`s relations with China will deteriorate as she does not recognise the "one China" policy.

China sees the island as a breakaway province - which it has threatened to take back by force if necessary.

She had a commanding lead in the vote count when Eric Chu of the ruling Kuomintang (KMT) admitted defeat.

Mr Chu congratulated Tsai Ing-wen and announced he was quitting as KMT head.

The election came just months after a historic meeting between the leaders of Taiwan and China.

However, the flagging economy as well as Taiwan`s relationship with China both played a role in the voters` choice, correspondents say.

The KMT has been in power for most of the past 70 years and has overseen improved relations with Beijing - Ms Tsai`s victory means this is only the second-ever victory for the DPP.

The first was by pro-independence advocate Chen Shui-bian - during his time as president between 2000 and 2008 tensions escalated with China.