Taipei — As Lai Ching-te assumed the presidency, he urged Beijing to halt intimidation against Taiwan. His inauguration marked the DPP’s historic third consecutive term.
Lai, aged 64, previously served as a doctor and vice president before his inauguration. He was joined by Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim.
Both leaders and their party are openly loathed by Beijing for championing Taiwan’s sovereignty. China’s ruling Communist Party says the self-ruling democracy is part of its territory, despite never having controlled it, and has vowed to take the island, by force if necessary.
Lai used his 30-minute inaugural speech to broadcast a message of peace and declare that a “glorious era of Taiwan’s democracy has arrived,” describing the island as an “important link” in a “global chain of democracies,” while reiterating a determination to defend its sovereignty.
“The future of the Republic of China Taiwan will be decided by its 23 million people. The future we decide is not just the future of our nation, but the future of the world,” Lai said, using the formal name for Taiwan.
The inauguration of Taiwan’s new president marks a significant turning point in cross-strait relations. With a firm stance, the Taiwanese president calls on China to halt its threats and pursue peaceful coexistence.
As the Taiwanese president amplifies calls for dialogue, China must now reciprocate gestures of goodwill. Both sides must transition from hostility to cooperation, navigating sensitive issues with diplomacy and tact.
read more
image source
