Instead of being a failure, the mainland's cross-Strait policies, which encourage peaceful ties across the Straits, have guided Taiwan's public opinion that people dare not, cannot and do not want to seek independence. Since the majority of the voters in Taiwan chose the DPP, the DPP should take maintaining the status quo of peaceful cross-Straits relations as its top responsibility.

It would not be possible for Taiwan's new leader to solve the island's problems without a stable cross-Straits situation.

If someone obstinately sticks to the secessionist stance or acts as a troublemaker for regional stability, Taiwan's stability and development would be sheer empty talk and disappointed Taiwan voters would throw out such a scourge during the next election.

There is no denying that the DPP's return rule poses grave challenges to cross-Strait relations. However, the mainland has the resolution and capability to foil any secessionist attempts.

If the DPP sincerely intends to maintain the status quo, it must give a clear answer to the key question of whether it supports the 1992 Consensus.

As to what direction Tsai and her DPP will head in, compatriots on both sides of the Straits are watching, and the international community is watching too.