<i>Taiwan's Ma wins second term </i>

Taiwan's Beijing-friendly leader Ma Ying-jeou secured a second four-year term as president yesterday, promising better ties with China after an election watched intently by the United States.
"We've won," a jubilant Ma, 61, told crowds of supporters gathered at his campaign headquarters in downtown Taipei after vote counting showed him securing 51.6 of the vote with 90 percent of ballots tallied.
"In the next four years, ties with China will be more harmonious and there will be more mutual trust and the chance of conflict is slimmer.
"I will ensure a sustainable environment for peace for Taiwan," added Ma, who in his first term oversaw the most dramatic thaw in the island's ties with China since the two sides split over 60 years ago.
His main challenger Tsai Ing-wen, a 55-year-old China-sceptic, conceded defeat after her disappointing showing and announced she would step down as chairwoman of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
"We accept the Taiwan people's decision and congratulate President Ma," she told her party faithful. "We want to give our deepest apology to our supporters for our defeat."
Tsai, who had been vying to become the island's first female leader, took 45.7 percent of the vote, according to unofficial tallies.