TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou has said he wants to sign a peace accord with China if the island’s people agree.

Ma faces a tough re-election bid in January and the question of Taiwan’s relations with the mainland is expected to dominate the campaign.

His 3 1/2 year presidency has been anchored on improving relations with Beijing. Although the idea of a peace treaty has come up before, this is the strongest indication yet he intends on pressing forward with it during a possible second term.

Taiwan and China split amid civil war in 1949. China still claims the island and vows to bring it back in the fold, by force if necessary.

Ma was speaking to reporters Monday as part of an ongoing effort to detail his election platform.