But the slippery slope of cross-strait relations is something even he is finding hard to navigate.

CNN: Did He Say 'One China'?

He is a liberal in economic reform and a moderate in terms of cross-strait relations.

CNN: Bottoming-Out in Bangkok?

Public opinion in Taiwan on how the government should approach cross-strait relations has, in fact, remained fairly consistent.

ECONOMIST: Taiwan and the Asian crisis

Anything of that sort would certainly be reported and affect the cross-Strait relations.

WSJ: Interview with Ma Ying-jeou: Taiwan's D��tente Gamble

Cross-strait relations have improved since Mr Ma assumed office in 2008, but he has come under criticism for getting too close to China, correspondents say.

BBC: Taiwan holds first live-fire military drill since 2008

Mr Chen's downbeat appraisal of cross-strait relations is not surprising.

ECONOMIST: Taiwan and China

In order to normalize cross-strait relations and enable constructive dialogue across the strait, we believe that the present is not the best time to hold a referendum on Taiwan's future.

CNN: 'We Don't Want War'

But the Taiwan Security Enhancement Act (TSEA) that swept through the House in a 341 to 70 vote on Feb. 1 has more to do with American politics than with cross-Strait relations.

CNN: A Rogue Vote On Taiwan

Acknowledging that his relations with Lee Teng-hui had been strained by their differences over cross-strait issues, the senior minister said Taipei's efforts to win diplomatic influence through strategic investment were futile.

CNN: Money for Influence?