China consistently condemned Lai Ching-te as a perilous separatist and rejected his repeated entreaties for negotiations prior to the election.
Voters, according to the victor of Taiwan’s presidential election, have demonstrated “how much we value democracy” by securing a third term for his party, which advocates for independence from China.
Lai Ching-te, the DPP leader, is expected to follow Tsai Ing-wen, who has served her two-year term.
A third term is the first for a political party to be elected under the current electoral system in Taiwan.
Saturday marked the conclusion of the presidential and parliamentary elections, following a campaign that was marred by disputes with China, which asserts sovereignty over the region.
China, which has escalated military pressure on Taipei and characterized the election as a “war or peace dilemma,” has declared that it will not abandon “reunification” in the wake of the results.
Maintaining the status quo in Taiwan is in accordance with the DPP. The party rejects the “one China principle” that treats Hong Kong and Taiwan as part of China.
A determination “rock-solid”
After Mr. Lai’s victory, the Chinese Ministry of Taiwan Affairs refrained from mentioning him by name but stated that the results indicate the DPP “cannot represent the mainstream public opinion” on the island.
It stated, “Our position on resolving the Taiwan issue and achieving national reunification remains unchanged, and our resolve is rock solid.”
China will collaborate with “relevant political parties, groups, and individuals” from Taiwan to “promote the peaceful development of cross-strait relations and the cause of national reunification,” according to the statement.
In accordance with the United States’ “One China” policy, the United States congratulated Mr. Lai on his victory, and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the country will collaborate with Taiwan to advance their longstanding unofficial relationship.
When asked his reaction to the results, President Joe Biden stated, “We do not support independence.”
The ‘vibrant democracy’ of Taiwan
Lord Cameron, the foreign secretary, described the elections as “evidence of Taiwan’s thriving democracy.” He further expressed his desire for the two parties involved in the Taiwan Strait to recommence their endeavours to amicably resolve differences by means of constructive dialogue, devoid of any form of coercion, threat, or force.
Mr. Lai, the vice president at the time, stated that Taiwan’s election results demonstrated “how much we value democracy” internationally.
Furthermore, he stated that the autonomous archipelago would “coexist harmoniously with democratic nations worldwide.”
Additionally, Mr. Lai asserted that the people of Taiwan “effectively resisted external efforts to influence this election.”
The president-elect promised to “bring in talent from different political parties” after the DPP lost a parliamentary majority.
He further stated that the preservation of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is his “vital responsibility.”
Mr. Lai continued by stating that he is “resolute in his commitment to protect Taiwan from Chinese threats and intimidation” and will “replace confrontation with dialogue.”
“I am willing to speak with China on the basis of dignity and parity,” he further stated.
Hou Yu-ih, a candidate for the Nationalist Kuomintang party (KMT), placed second in the election. The KMT advocates for stronger relations with China.
Third place was won by Ko Wen-je of the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), a minor political party. It has focused its campaign primarily on domestic issues and has played a lesser role in the China dispute.
“Each vote is appreciated”
In Tainan, Mr. Lai urged voters to use their right to vote.
In brief remarks, he stated, “Each vote is valued, as this is Taiwan’s hard-earned democracy.”
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Russia’s foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said Taiwan is part of China notwithstanding Mr. Lai’s victory.
Before the election, China repeatedly blasted Mr. Lai as a dangerous separatist and refused his proposals to compromise.
Due to his previous explicit pro-independence statements, Mr. Lai is considered problematic by China.
Two Chinese balloons crossed the Taiwan Strait in the past 24 hours, the Taiwanese Ministry of Defence confirmed Saturday.
A flying object traversed Taiwan. It was the most recent in a series of sightings of balloons reported by the ministry.
With the exception of China-related tensions, the election was predominantly influenced by domestic concerns, including unemployment, housing affordability, a widening wealth disparity, and a sluggish economy.
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