Voters in Taiwan have elected Lai Ching-te as their new President in the third successive victory for Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party, which supports and promotes the island’s separate identity from China.
Taiwan sees itself as a(independent from any other power), while China views Taiwan as one of its provinces with which it will inevitably reunify.
Lai, previously the vice-president, said after his win: “We didn’t let external forces influence our election. That’s because we decided that only we can choose our president.”
China’s response to Taiwan’s new president
China has previously referred to Lai as a “troublemaker”, protesting against his long advocacy for Taiwanese independence.
Your contribution ensures The Daily Aus can continue doing the work you love.
I want to give $10 monthly to help TDA keep doing the news.
Your details:
A spokesperson for China responded to the new President’s election in a statement saying: “Taiwan is China’s Taiwan… Our position on resolving the Taiwan issue and achieving national reunification is consistent, and our will is rock-solid.”
Australia’s response
The Australian Government released acongratulating Lai on his victory and “the people of Taiwan on the peaceful exercise of their democratic rights”.
“The smooth conduct of the elections is a testament to the maturity and strength of Taiwan’s democracy.”
