Taiwan's president has said China is showing signs of softening its policy on the island's future, in a statement  marking the first anniversary of his presidency.

Beijing now places greater importance on preventing the formal independence of Taiwan than insisting it be united with the mainland, Ma Ying-jeou said on Wenesday.

As a result, he said China had shown "a very clear sophistication and flexibility in their policy".

China and Taiwan split amid civil war in 1949 and Beijing still regards the island as part of its territory.

The Chinese government has, on several occasions in the past, threatened to go to war against Taiwan if the island's authorities move to make the division permanent.

But under Ma's leadership, Beijing and Taipei have signed nine agreements on economic co-operation, including a pact that allowed for direct flights across the 160km wide Taiwan Strait.

In video

Changing times in China-Taiwan ties

However, he said he would continue to try to build "a solid foundation for peace and prosperity between the two sides".

Recently, Taiwan was invited to join the World Health Assembly meeting for the first time in 38 years.

It was the first time that Taiwan participated in a UN meeting since its seat was given to China in 1971, marking what Taipei regards as a major diplomatic triumph.