A moderate and pragmatic approach to cross-Straits issues by Beijing and Taipei is essential for continued harmony, experts in Hong Kong caution.

Taiwan people are more concerned about economic issues than aggravating social and political differences, said Ringo Ma Chen-lung, associate dean of the School of Communication at Hong Kong Baptist University.

Ma said one of Taiwan's most recognized radical parties, the Taiwan Solidarity Union, failed to win a single seat in the most recent election. He expects incoming leader Tsai Ing-wen to abandon extreme positions on cross-Straits issues, in keeping with the mood of the island's voters.