Taiwan Inaugurates Lai Ching-te as New President, Marking Historic Third Term for Ruling Party
Taiwan Inaugurates Lai Ching-te as New President, Marking Historic Third Term for Ruling Party
Lai Ching-te begins his historic third term, solidifying the ruling party's continued leadership in Taiwan.
On Monday, Lai Ching-te was sworn in as Taiwan’s president, alongside new Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim, marking the start of a historic third consecutive term for the island’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). The inauguration ceremony was attended by national leaders from countries with which Taiwan maintains formal diplomatic ties, several former American officials, and lawmakers from other countries.
Lai's Victory and the DPP's Stance on Taiwan's Sovereignty
Lai, a former doctor and vice president, emerged victorious over rivals in the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party and the Taiwan People’s Party in a January election. Voters shrugged off warnings from Beijing that the DPP’s re-election would increase the risk of conflict. The DPP holds the view that Taiwan is a de facto sovereign nation that should bolster defenses against China’s threats and deepen relations with fellow democratic countries.
The DPP and its leaders, including Lai and his predecessor Tsai Ing-wen, are openly loathed by Beijing for championing Taiwan’s sovereignty. China’s ruling Communist Party considers the self-ruling democracy as part of its territory, despite never having controlled it, and has vowed to take the island, by force if necessary.
Building on Tsai Ing-wen's Legacy and Pursuing Peace with China
In his inauguration speech, Lai is expected to emphasize that he will build on the foundations achieved by his predecessor, Tsai Ing-wen, the island’s first female leader. Tsai bolstered the island’s international standing and recognition during her eight years in office.
Lai is also expected to project goodwill to China with a message of pursuing peace and prosperity across the Taiwan Strait. 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.”
Challenges Ahead for Lai's Presidency
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