Taiwan’s new President Lai Ching-te called on Beijing to stop its intimidation of the 24 million strong democratic island after he was sworn in on Monday.
His election victory marked the start of a historic third consecutive term for the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
The DPP has championed democracy in the face of growing threats from authoritarian China.
Beacon of Democracy
Lai, 64, a former doctor and vice president, used his 30-minute inaugural speech to broadcast a message of peace and declare that a “glorious era of Taiwan’s democracy has arrived.”
In his address, Lai called on China “to cease their political and military intimidation against Taiwan, share with Taiwan the global responsibility of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait as well as the greater region, and ensure the world is free from the fear of war.”
He described the island as an “important link” in a “global chain of democracies,” while reiterating a determination to defend its sovereignty.
He added, “The future we decide is not just the future of our nation, but the future of the world.”
Helicopters fly over with Taiwan National flag during an inauguration celebration of Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te in Taipei, Taiwan, Monday, May 20, 2024. (Credit: AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)
US Support
Lai’s inauguration ceremony was attended by national leaders from a handful of countries with which Taiwan still maintains formal diplomatic ties. There were several former American officials and lawmakers from other countries, according to Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In a statement, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken offered his congratulations to Lai and “the Taiwan people for once again demonstrating the strength of their robust and resilient democratic system.”
He continued: “We look forward to working with President Lai and across Taiwan’s political spectrum to advance our shared interests and values, deepen our longstanding unofficial relationship, and maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.”
Friction with China
Xi has placed “reunification” with Taiwan as a key part of his goal to achieve China’s “natural rejuvenation.” But under the strongarm tactics of his multiple decades in power, Taiwan’s public has shifted determinedly away from China.
Less than 10% now support an immediate or eventual unification, and less than 3% identify primarily as Chinese.
In his inaugural address, Lai said he hoped China would “face the reality of the Republic of China’s existence, respect the choices of the people of Taiwan,” and “engage in cooperation with the legal government chosen by Taiwan’s people.”
He called for the resumption of tourism on a reciprocal basis and the enrolment of degree students in Taiwanese institutions as steps to “pursue peace and mutual prosperity.”
But the new president also warned against harbouring delusions, even as Taiwan pursues “the ideals of peace.”
Lai said: “So long as China refuses to renounce the use of force against Taiwan, all of us in Taiwan ought to understand, that even if we accept the entirety of China’s position and give up our sovereignty, China’s ambition to annex Taiwan will not simply disappear.”
When asked about Lai’s inauguration in a regular briefing on Monday, a spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry said “Taiwan independence is a dead end. No matter what pretext or banner one uses, promoting Taiwan independence and secession is doomed to fail.”
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StandfirstLai Ching-te calls on China to halt ‘intimidation’ after being sworn into historic third term for ruling party.
Taiwan’s new President Lai Ching-te called on Beijing to stop its intimidation of the 24 million strong democratic island after he was sworn in on Monday.
His election victory marked the start of a historic third consecutive term for the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
The DPP has championed democracy in the face of growing threats from authoritarian China.
Beacon of Democracy
Lai, 64, a former doctor and vice president, used his 30-minute inaugural speech to broadcast a message of peace and declare that a “glorious era of Taiwan’s democracy has arrived.”
In his address, Lai called on China “to cease their political and military intimidation against Taiwan, share with Taiwan the global responsibility of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait as well as the greater region, and ensure the world is free from the fear of war.”
He described the island as an “important link” in a “global chain of democracies,” while reiterating a determination to defend its sovereignty.
He added, “The future we decide is not just the future of our nation, but the future of the world.”
Helicopters fly over with Taiwan National flag during an inauguration celebration of Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te in Taipei, Taiwan, Monday, May 20, 2024. (Credit: AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)
US Support
Lai’s inauguration ceremony was attended by national leaders from a handful of countries with which Taiwan still maintains formal diplomatic ties. There were several former American officials and lawmakers from other countries, according to Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In a statement, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken offered his congratulations to Lai and “the Taiwan people for once again demonstrating the strength of their robust and resilient democratic system.”
He continued: “We look forward to working with President Lai and across Taiwan’s political spectrum to advance our shared interests and values, deepen our longstanding unofficial relationship, and maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.”
Friction with China
Xi has placed “reunification” with Taiwan as a key part of his goal to achieve China’s “natural rejuvenation.” But under the strongarm tactics of his multiple decades in power, Taiwan’s public has shifted determinedly away from China.
Less than 10% now support an immediate or eventual unification, and less than 3% identify primarily as Chinese.
In his inaugural address, Lai said he hoped China would “face the reality of the Republic of China’s existence, respect the choices of the people of Taiwan,” and “engage in cooperation with the legal government chosen by Taiwan’s people.”
He called for the resumption of tourism on a reciprocal basis and the enrolment of degree students in Taiwanese institutions as steps to “pursue peace and mutual prosperity.”
But the new president also warned against harbouring delusions, even as Taiwan pursues “the ideals of peace.”
Lai said: “So long as China refuses to renounce the use of force against Taiwan, all of us in Taiwan ought to understand, that even if we accept the entirety of China’s position and give up our sovereignty, China’s ambition to annex Taiwan will not simply disappear.”
When asked about Lai’s inauguration in a regular briefing on Monday, a spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry said “Taiwan independence is a dead end. No matter what pretext or banner one uses, promoting Taiwan independence and secession is doomed to fail.”
