(CNN) -- Elected with the largest margin of victory in the history of Taiwan's presidential elections, President Ma Ying-jeou is aiming to bring the good times back to Taiwan while looking to a friendlier future with China. Smiling through it: President Ma Ying-jeou has some tough challenges ahead. Winning 58 percent of the vote, Ma was swept to victory on the promise of economic growth but through the more controversial method of building closer ties with China. With the backdrop of economic depression Ma's calls to reinvigorate the economy by freer trade and improved relations with China proved stronger than the fears that those ties could lead to a loss in independence.
@highlight
Taiwan's premier, Ma Ying-jeou, elected by biggest margin in history
@highlight
Has promised to bring economic prosperity back to Taiwan and engage China
@highlight
Hugely difficult task ahead of strengthening ties with China and allaying public fears
Allaying fears, breaking down generations of mistrust and making @placeholder's economy roar again will be the considerable challenges of Ma's administration; the former barrister will have to use all his negotiating skills to try and fulfill his ambitions.