Ma Ying-jeou

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.