Historic Win for Taiwan's President: Lai Ching-te Secures Third Term
Date: 2024-01-14 Author: Dima Zakharov Categories: WORLD
Lai Ching-te, known for advocating Taiwan's distinct identity and rejecting China's territorial claims, clinched the presidency for the third term—a remarkable feat considering Taiwan's current electoral system. The elections saw the head of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) competing against two opponents: the nominee of Taiwan's largest opposition party, Hou Yu-i, and the former mayor of Taipei, Ko Wen-je, from the People's Party.
It's noteworthy that, ahead of the elections, China condemned Lai Ching-te as a dangerous separatist, warning that any steps towards formal Taiwanese independence would lead to war. The Chinese authorities also dismissed the elected leader's calls for negotiations.
Simultaneously, Lai emphasized his commitment to maintaining peace and the status quo in the Taiwan Strait while reinforcing the island's defense. As the votes were cast on January 13, today, in Taiwan, for both presidential and parliamentary elections, citizens shaped the country's leadership for the next four years, electing a new president and 113 legislators to the Legislative Yuan.
