China Fumes as Taiwan Elects Lai as President
In a historic election, Taiwanese voters have elected William Lai as their president, signaling a trajectory increasingly divergent from China, Excel Magazine International reports.
Beijing swiftly issued a statement asserting that “Taiwan is part of China” and, while calling for “peaceful reunification,” did not rule out the use of force, framing the Taiwan election as a choice between “war and peace.”
China’s displeasure is rooted in its opposition to Mr. Lai’s pro-sovereignty Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which has governed Taiwan for eight years.
Lai’s victory, marking an unprecedented third consecutive presidential term for the DPP, emphasizes an irreversible path forward, as he stated, “The country will continue to walk on the right path forward.”
Addressing tens of thousands of supporters in Taipei, Lai portrayed his win as a triumph of democracy, emphasizing the people’s ability to choose their president free from external influences.
While accusing China of attempting to interfere in the election process, Lai expressed a desire for more exchanges and dialogue with Beijing, favoring peace and stability.
Despite labeling Mr. Lai a “separatist” and “troublemaker,” China faced a conciliatory message from Lai, who pledged to maintain the cross-strait status quo without seeking independence or unification.
In response, China’s Taiwan Affairs Office reiterated its stance on reunification, challenging the DPP’s representation of mainstream public opinion.
The United States, Taiwan’s major ally, swiftly congratulated Mr. Lai, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken praising Taiwan’s robust democratic system.
President Biden clarified that the U.S. does not support Taiwan’s independence, emphasizing commitment to maintaining cross-strait peace and stability.
While Mr. Lai secured 40% of the vote, comfortably defeating his main opponent from the Kuomintang party, the DPP lost its legislative majority. Observers anticipate challenges in governing Taiwan with an opposition-dominated legislature alongside a DPP president.
