To maintain the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations that Beijing and Taipei have enjoyed for the past seven years, which have benefitted both sides, the winners of the Taiwan election must abandon any ambition for Taiwan independence and recognize the 1992 Consensus and its one-China principle.

The 2016 election has shaken up Taiwan’s political scene in a big way, as voters in a post-industrial society seek alternatives to the traditional parties and agendas. It foreshadows a deep transformation of Taiwanese politics, and the ramifications for cross-Strait relations will take time to evolve.

Ms. Tsai Ing-wen, 59, Taiwan's first female, newly-elected president, leads the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) which has traditionally advocated for a strong Taiwanese identity Her strength moving forward will be contingent on the economy improving, which ironically, may depend on her relationship and guanxi with Mainland China.

The recent U.S. arms sales decision regarding Taiwan led to a more moderate Chinese government reaction than seen in many previous transactions. The U.S. arms transfers to Taiwan serve multiple purposes and are likely to continue whoever is the leader of the next government in Taipei and in Washington.

Breaking the cycle of tension in the Taiwan Strait requires bold initiatives that mean abandoning deeply held desires in China, Taiwan, and the United States. Chinese leaders should perhaps at least think about the previously unthinkable: accepting an independent Taiwan—under very strict conditions.

If the ‘92 Consensus is respected, which is already the bottom line for a healthy cross-strait relationship, interactions could advance in ways benefiting both sides, which will continue to enjoy the bonus of the peace and economic cooperation. Efforts to put distance between Taipei and Beijing, whether made by domestic or outside parties, can only damage both sides of the relationship.

The leaders reaffirmed the fundamentally important role of the 1992 Consensus in maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, offering a status quo of peace and development. It provides guidance to the future development of cross-Strait relations, and all parties should value that no matter who wins Taiwan’s 2016 elections.

The world has to respect the patience of the People's Republic of China's vision to take the long view of reuniting with Taiwan in a peaceful manner. This is not only in the best interest of the people of China and Taiwan, but all of humanity.

The tacit accord achieved by Xi Jinping and Ma Ying-jeou reflects the leaders’ confidence and wisdom to tackle tough problems in an easy manner -- and open minds that can reach a compromise with friends. Cross-Strait relations have developed peacefully for over seven years and reached a milestone at the meeting.

As the prospect of the opposition party DPP winning the Taiwan presidential election increases, cross-Straits relations could be in for a long winter. George Koo argues Beijing faces a Taiwan with fewer options, even Japan could join the U.S. to interfere in how Beijing and Taipei deal with each other.