Taiwan has re-elected its president, endorsing Ma Ying-jeou’s push for closer ties with China.

Thousands of supporters braved pouring rain in central Taipei to celebrate his victory.

“In the next four years, cross-strait relations will be more peaceful, with greater mutual trust and the chance of conflict will be less,” he told them. “I must let Taiwan have a long-lasting environment of peace and stability.”

China has indicated it welcomes Ma’s re-election.

Beijing has long been angered by the independence-leaning stance of his chief rival’s party. After conceding defeat, Tsai Ing-wen resigned from the Democratic Progressive Party’s leadership.

China still views self-ruled Taiwan as a breakaway province to be taken back by force if necessary.

Ma’s Nationalist Party also won a clear majority in parliament.

Economists see stronger ties with China as vital for export-dependent Taiwan because of the slowdown elsewhere in the world.

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