And the KMT, in response, has ramped up President Ma's re-election bid by nominating him as the party's official candidate yesterday, one week ahead of schedule.

Ma later gave a speech summarizing his major achievements over the past two years, with an emphasis on improvements over the previous DPP administration.

Describing himself as a "man of action," Ma vows to push forth his reforms and lead the nation forward if given a second term.

The president's campaign office is expected to be set up in early May, and his running mate will be announced by June 25th.