Get Informed: Meet Taiwan’s New President Lai Ching-te

Taiwanese Vice President Lai Ching-te emerged victorious in the country’s presidential election, securing a third term for the governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). Despite warnings from China over his pro-sovereignty views, Lai received over 40% of the vote, outpacing his closest rival by 7 percentage points. In his victory speech, Lai hailed it as a “victory for the community of democracies” and praised voters for resisting external influence. This marks the first time in Taiwan’s history that a single party has secured three consecutive terms in office.

China’s response to Lai’s victory is expected to increase pressure on Taiwan, as the Chinese government considers the ruling party to be separatist. China has consistently claimed Taiwan as its own territory, despite the island’s self-governance. Lai’s win could prompt Beijing to escalate military activity around Taiwan, as Chinese President Xi Jinping has linked the Taiwan issue to his goal of achieving “national rejuvenation.”

The DPP maintains that Taiwan is not subservient to the Chinese Communist Party and believes that the future of Taiwan should be determined solely by its inhabitants. The majority of Taiwan’s population supports maintaining the status quo and avoiding formal independence or reunification with China.

Lai has pledged to continue the foreign affairs and national defense policies of his predecessor, President Tsai Ing-wen. However, China has severed most communications with Taiwan since Tsai took office in 2016, making the Taiwan Strait a contentious political issue.

While tensions are unlikely to de-escalate, political scientists believe that maintaining the status quo is crucial for stability. Lai’s victory is not expected to lead to conflict but rather to a continuation of the current situation.

Lai urged China to prioritize peace, emphasizing that global peace and stability depend on peace in the Taiwan Strait. As China signals potential pressure on Taiwan after the election, the Biden Administration has urged Beijing to exercise restraint to avoid straining U.S.-China relations.

Lai, a Harvard-educated former physician, will assume office in May. He grew up in poverty after his father’s death and credits his determination to overcome adversity as one of his biggest assets. Lai was once a fervent advocate for Taiwanese independence but has emerged as a defender of peace in the face of China’s assertiveness.

His success as President will depend on his ability to handle Beijing and prevent a significant crisis in the region. Lai has pledged to strengthen Taiwan’s global standing through ties with the U.S. and other democratic allies. However, the DPP’s loss of the legislative majority may limit Lai’s ability to implement his proposed agenda. China has expressed its displeasure with Lai, labeling him a separatist and warning of potential danger to cross-strait relations.