In a pivotal election on the self-ruled island of Taiwan, president-elect William Lai Ching-te, representing the governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), emerged victorious despite warnings from China. Lai secured 40.1 percent of the votes, according to the Central Election Commission. This election has once again highlighted the ongoing tensions between Taiwan and China, with Beijing claiming Taiwan as its own.
China’s response to Lai’s victory has been stern, reiterating its stance on “national reunification” and declaring that Taiwan’s election results will not impede the inevitable trend of China’s reunification. While Taiwan has been self-governed since the 1940s, China continues to assert its claim over the island and its outlying territories.
Beijing’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson, Chen Binhua, emphasized that the DPP cannot represent the mainstream public opinion on the island, but acknowledged that the vote will not change the basic landscape and development trend of cross-Strait relations. China remains firm in its commitment to realizing national reunification and opposes any separatist activities aimed at “Taiwan independence” or foreign interference.
Internationally, the responses to Taiwan’s election have been mixed. The United States, under President Joe Biden, reiterated its position of not supporting Taiwan’s independence but recognized the robust democratic system and electoral process of the self-ruled island. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken congratulated Lai on his victory and expressed commitment to maintaining cross-Strait peace and stability through peaceful resolution of differences.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, affirmed Moscow’s view of Taiwan as an integral part of China, aligning with Beijing’s “One China” policy. The European Union welcomed Taiwan’s presidential election and expressed concerns about growing tensions in the Taiwan Strait, emphasizing the need for peace and stability in the region.
Other world leaders, including British Foreign Minister David Cameron, Japan, and Lithuania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Gabrielius Landsbergis, congratulated Lai on his victory and urged peaceful dialogue to resolve differences between Taiwan and China.
The election of President-elect William Lai Ching-te has showcased Taiwan’s vibrant democracy and its determination to stand on the side of democracy amidst China’s claims. As tensions continue to simmer, the international community remains vigilant in promoting peaceful resolutions and maintaining stability in the Taiwan Strait.
