Taiwan swears in new leader for DPP's record third term as citizens disregard China's cautionary statements
The newly elected President of Taiwan, Lai, aged 64, previously a doctor, was announced into office this year with the support of his new Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim, who lately served as Taiwan's top delegate in the US.
Both these leaders and their political party are disliked by Beijing for speaking up about Taiwan's independence. The Chinese Communist Party states that this autonomous democracy is part of their territory, without any previous control over it, and has sworn to capture the island by whatever means.
Lai steps in for the DPP's (Democratic Progressive Party) previous leader, Tsai Ing-wen, who raised Taiwan's global reputation and recognition within the eight years of her tenure.
In his inauguration address coming up on Monday, Lai is set to outline that he will build on these achievements by Tsai - Taiwan's first-ever female head of state. He is expected to express affection towards China with a message of achieving peace and prosperity for the Taiwan Strait.
Lai managed to overcome his opponents from the opposite Kuomintang (KMT) party and the Taiwan People's Party in a January election, which revolved around both livelihood issues and the complicated question of how to interact with its mighty neighbor, China, led by Xi Jinping, who has gained larger stakes in power and become more belligerent.
Ignoring warnings by Beijing that re-electing the DPP would raise the risk of clashes, Taiwanese voters opted for a policy of strengthening the island's defenses and working with democratic countries, although this could mean economic reprisals or military intimidation from China.
Described as a composed political veteran, Lai is originally from a radical wing of the DPP and, in the past, openly endorsed Taiwanese independence – the ultimate red line for Beijing.
Though his perspectives have changed since then, China continues to remember his words six years ago, where he identified himself as a "practical worker for Taiwanese independence."
In the lead-up to the election, Chinese authorities kept talking about "peace and war" in reference to Lai's run for presidency, even though he has declared that he favors the existing status quo. He claims that "Taiwan is already an autonomous, sovereign country" and there's "no need" to officially proclaim independence.
This carefully worded position mirrors his predecessor Tsai's stance, who was unable to run for re-election due to term limits.
Around twelve years ago, under Xi's administration, Taiwanese public opinion has significantly shifted away from China. Only about 10% appreciate unification, and under 3% still identify themselves primarily as Chinese.
Nearly every Taiwanese citizen desires to maintain the present situation - conducting no intention of being ruled by Beijing.
Despite this, China has fortified its diplomatic, economic, and military pressure on Taiwan. Tensions around the Taiwan Strait are more severe now than they have been since 1996, when China launched missiles off Taiwan's coast to provoke the voters before the island's initial free presidential election.
As Lai officially commences his term, talks between China and Taiwan, which were suspended since Tsai assumed office, are unlikely to recommence - China regularly refuses his offers for talks and accuses him of pushing for separation.
Wayne Chang of CNN provided relevant contributions for this story. [proceeds similarly]
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Taiwan's new leadership, with President Lai and Vice President Hsiao, have maintained a disliked stance in the eyes of Beijing due to their advocacy for Taiwan's independence, a position that is seen as challenging China's claim over the autonomous democracy as part of its territory. Despite this, Lai's election and his presidency has seen Taiwan continue to assert its independence on the global stage, maintaining close ties with democratic countries around the world in Asia and beyond.
Source: edition.cnn.com
