Opposition scores big win in Taiwan legislative elections

Taiwan's opposition Nationalist Party won a landslide victory in legislative elections Saturday, giving a big boost to its policy of closer engagement with China two months before a presidential poll it now seems poised to win.

President Chen Shui-bian, who has been criticized for aggravating relations with China by promoting policies to formalize Taiwan's de facto independence from the mainland, resigned as chairman of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, or DPP, immediately after the extent of the defeat became clear.

"I should shoulder all responsibilities," Chen said. "I feel really apologetic and shamed."

His …