New Taiwan president calls on China to stop “intimidation”

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te called on Beijing to cease intimidation against the island after being sworn in as president on Monday (20), marking the beginning of an unprecedented third consecutive term for the Democratic Progressive Party ( PDP), in power, which has defended democracy, in the face of years of growing threats from authoritarian China.

Lai, 64, a doctor and former vice president, was sworn in alongside new vice president Hsiao Bi-khim, who recently served as Taiwan's top envoy to the United States.

Both party leaders and the party itself are openly hated by Beijing for defending Taiwan's sovereignty. The ruling Communist Party of China claims that autonomous democracy is part of its territory, despite never having controlled it, and has promised to take the island, by force, if necessary.

Lai used his 30-minute inaugural speech to deliver a message of peace and declare that a “glorious era of Taiwan democracy has arrived,” describing the island as an “important link” in a “global chain of democracies,” while also which reiterated a determination to defend its sovereignty.

“The future of the Republic of China Taiwan will be decided by its 23 million inhabitants. The future we decide is not just the future of our nation, but the future of the world,” Lai said, using the formal name of Taiwan.

Lai takes over from her PDP predecessor, Tsai Ing-wen, who strengthened the island's standing and international recognition during her eight years in office. Tsai, Taiwan's first female president, was unable to run again due to term limits.

Lai emerged victorious over rivals the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party and the Taiwan People's Party in January's elections, which were fought over a mix of livelihood issues as well as the thorny question of how to deal with its giant neighboring state of single party, China, which under the command of leader Xi Jinping has become more powerful and prone to violence.

Still, voters ignored Beijing's warnings that the PDP's re-election would increase the risk of conflict. The PDP holds the view that Taiwan is a sovereign nation and that it should strengthen defenses against threats from China by deepening relations with democratic countries.

In his inaugural speech, Lai called on China “to cease its political and military intimidation against Taiwan, share with Taiwan the global responsibility for maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait as well as in the region, and ensure that the world is free from the fear of war.”

A soft-spoken political veteran, Lai comes from a more radical wing of the PDP and was once an outspoken supporter of Taiwanese independence – a red line for Beijing.

Although his views have since declined, China has never forgiven him for comments he made six years ago in which he described himself as a “practical worker for Taiwan independence.”

Lai now says he is in favor of the current status quo, proclaiming that “Taiwan is already a sovereign and independent country” and therefore there is “no plan or need” to declare independence, in a deliberately nuanced position that mimics the stance of her predecessor, Tsai.

When asked about Lai's inauguration this Monday (20), a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said that “Taiwan independence is a dead end. No matter what pretext or flag one uses, promoting Taiwan's independence and secession is doomed to failure.”

Lai's inauguration ceremony was attended by leaders of several countries with which Taiwan still maintains formal diplomatic ties, several former American officials and lawmakers from other countries, according to Taiwan's Foreign Ministry.

In a statement, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken congratulated Lai and “the people of Taiwan for once again demonstrating the strength of their robust and resilient democratic system.”

“We look forward to working with President Lai and across Taiwan’s political spectrum to advance our shared interests and values, deepen our long-standing unofficial relationship, and maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait,” Blinken said. .

Frictions with Beijing

Lai takes office during a particularly contentious period between Taiwan and China, which in recent years has increased diplomatic, economic and military pressure on the autonomous democracy as Taiwan's leaders have strengthened informal ties with Washington.

In his inaugural speech, Lai said he hoped China would “face the reality of the existence of the Republic of China, respect the choices of the people of Taiwan” and “engage in cooperation with the legitimate government chosen by the people of Taiwan.”

He called for the resumption of tourism on a reciprocal basis and the enrollment of undergraduate students in Taiwanese institutions as measures to “pursue peace and mutual prosperity.”

But the new president also warned against the danger of harboring illusions, even as Taiwan pursues “the ideals of peace.”

“As long as China refuses to renounce the use of force against Taiwan, all of us in Taiwan must understand that even if we accept the entirety of China’s position and renounce our sovereignty, China’s ambition to annex Taiwan will not simply disappear.” , Lai said.

Beijing has sought to portray Lai as an inciter of conflict, repeatedly framing elections earlier this year as a choice between “peace and war.”

On Monday, China's Taiwan Affairs Office reiterated this rhetoric, criticizing “the leader of the Taiwan region” for “sending dangerous signals of seeking independence, making provocations and undermining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait ”.

Xi has placed “reunification” with Taiwan as a key part of his goal of achieving China’s “natural rejuvenation.” But under the violent tactics of more than a decade in power, the Taiwanese public has turned decisively away from China. Less than 10% currently support immediate or eventual unification and less than 3% identify primarily as Chinese.

Most Taiwanese want to maintain the current status quo and show no desire to be governed by Beijing.

Beijing has cut off official contact with Taipei since Tsai took office. Unlike the opposition KMT, Tsai and the DPP refused to support the so-called “1992 consensus” that both Taiwan and the mainland belong to “one China”, but with different interpretations of what this means. Beijing considers the tacit agreement a precondition for dialogue.

It is unlikely that official communication between Beijing and Taipei will resume now with Lai's inauguration – with China repeatedly rebuking his offer for talks and denouncing the politician as a dangerous separatist.

Lai is also expected to face challenges – and scrutiny – in promoting his Taiwan agenda in parliament during his term.

Unlike his predecessor, Lai will not have a parliamentary majority in the next four years. In January's elections, the Democratic Progressive Party won just 51 of 113 seats.

These challenges were evident last Friday, when Taiwanese lawmakers' disagreements over controversial new reform bills erupted into a brawl on the parliament floor – a chaotic display that saw some lawmakers jump over tables and pull colleagues onto the floor, with some members being taken to hospital.

In his speech, Lai said that “the lack of an absolute majority means that the ruling parties and the opposition are now able to share their ideas and that we will face the nation's challenges as one”.

But he also called for cooperation so that the nation could “continue on a stable path”.