Ma Ying-jeou vs Ronglu

Ma Ying-jeou won the presidential election as the Kuomintang candidate, promising to improve relations with China. His victory marked a return to KMT rule after eight years of DPP governance.

Ma's administration established direct flights between Taiwan and mainland China, ending a 60-year ban. This facilitated tourism and business exchanges, significantly increasing cross-strait travel.

Ma's government signed the ECFA with China, a preferential trade agreement that reduced tariffs and promoted economic integration. The deal was controversial in Taiwan, with critics fearing it increased dependence on China.

Ronglu, as a key supporter of Empress Dowager Cixi, helped orchestrate the coup that ended the Hundred Days' Reform. He mobilized troops to surround the Forbidden City and arrest reform leaders, consolidating conservative control over the Qing government.

Following the suppression of the reforms, Ronglu was appointed Grand Councilor and Minister of War, becoming one of the most powerful officials in the Qing court. He oversaw military modernization and maintained Cixi's authority.

Ronglu commanded Qing forces during the Boxer Rebellion, initially supporting the Boxers but later shifting to protect foreign legations. His ambiguous stance helped prevent a complete rupture with foreign powers after the rebellion's suppression.

Ronglu participated in negotiations with foreign powers after the Boxer Rebellion, helping to finalize the Boxer Protocol. The agreement imposed heavy reparations on China and further weakened Qing sovereignty.