But some analysts say, since corruption is so pervasive, if the president were to take drastic action, the economy would turn chaotic. And then, there's the China question. Beijing has threatened to attack Taiwan if it openly declares independence. Today, incoming leader Chen promised to hold peace talks with China, but only if Taiwan is treated as an equal. That was a non-starter for Beijing.
China insists Taiwan is a mere province.
All this makes investors wary, says Ralf Dixon of Primasia Securities. Today, police used water cannons to disperse some 3,000 protestors, angry because their party did so badly at the polls. Analysts say one of the biggest challenges facing the new president will be dealing with an opposition-controlled legislature. In Tokyo, this is Jocelyn Ford for Marketplace. Modern science has made it possible for people to live longer.