Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party Inaugurates President for Third Term Despite China's Opposition

Lai Ching-te became Taiwan's president on Monday, beginning a significant third term for the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). The DPP has been a strong advocate for democracy, especially in the midst of increasing challenges from authoritarian China.

At 64 years old, Lai, a former doctor, took the oath of office. He was joined by the new Vice President, Hsiao Bi-khim, who had previously been Taiwan's top representative in the United States.

Beijing openly dislikes both leaders and their party because they support Taiwan's sovereignty. China's ruling Communist Party claims Taiwan as part of its territory, even though it has never governed it, and has promised to take the island by force if needed.

Lai succeeds DPP predecessor Tsai Ing-wen, who strengthened Taiwan's international status and recognition during her eight-year term in office.

In his upcoming inauguration speech, Lai is set to highlight his plans to build upon the progress made by Tsai, Taiwan's first female leader. He is also expected to express a message of peace and prosperity towards China in an effort to maintain good relations across the Taiwan Strait.

Lai won the January election against competitors from the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party and the Taiwan People's Party. The election focused on various issues affecting livelihoods, as well as the challenging task of managing relations with China, a powerful one-party state led by Xi Jinping.

Voters are ignoring Beijing's warnings about the risk of conflict if the DPP is re-elected. The DPP believes that Taiwan is a sovereign nation and should strengthen its defenses against China and strengthen ties with other democratic countries, even if it faces economic or military pressure from Beijing.

Lai, the leader of the DPP, has supported this stance and described his victory as a "win for the community of democracies" after the election results were revealed.

Lai, a seasoned politician known for his gentle demeanor, comes from a more progressive faction within the DPP. In the past, he openly advocated for Taiwan's independence, a stance that Beijing strongly opposes.

While Lai's perspective has become more moderate over time, China has not forgotten nor forgiven his statement from six years ago when he referred to himself as a supporter of Taiwan independence in a practical sense.

In the lead-up to the election, Chinese officials repeatedly framed the vote as a choice between “peace and war,” while railing against Lai for inciting conflict.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen waves to the crowd on May 20, 2016 in Taipei, Taiwan. Taiwan's new president Tsai Ing-wen took oath of office on May 20 after a landslide election victory on January 16, 2016.

Taiwan's new president Tsai Ing-wen took oath of office on May 20, 2016 in Taipei, Taiwan. She waved to the crowd after a landslide election victory on January 16, 2016.

Ashley Pon/Getty Images

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Lai now prefers the current situation, stating that Taiwan is already an independent sovereign country and there is no plan or necessity to declare independence. This stance is similar to his predecessor Tsai, Taiwan's first female president, who could not run for re-election due to term limits.

Under Xi’s leadership for the past twelve years, the people of Taiwan have become increasingly opposed to China. Less than 10% of the population now favors unification with China, and less than 3% identify themselves as Chinese.

The majority of Taiwanese prefer to keep things as they are and have no interest in being governed by Beijing.

Beijing has increased its diplomatic, economic, and military pressure on Taiwan, leading to heightened tensions across the Taiwan Strait. This situation is reminiscent of 1996 when China launched missiles near Taiwan to influence the island's first free presidential election after years of authoritarian rule.

Despite Lai's inauguration, communication between Beijing and Taipei, which has been severed since Tsai took office, is not expected to resume. China has consistently rejected Lai's attempts to initiate talks and has labeled him as a threat to their unity.

CNN’s Wayne Chang contributed reporting.

Editor's P/S:

The article highlights the significant transition of power in Taiwan, as Lai Ching-te begins his third term as president. His inauguration marks a continuation of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) commitment to democracy and sovereignty, amidst ongoing tensions with authoritarian China. Lai's victory represents a triumph for the international community of democracies, as Taiwan stands as a beacon of freedom and resistance against Chinese aggression.

Despite Lai's moderate stance on Taiwan's independence, China remains wary of his pro-independence past. Beijing's persistent pressure and threats of force have escalated tensions across the Taiwan Strait, echoing the events of 1996. However, the Taiwanese people remain resolute in their desire for self-governance and have consistently rejected unification with China. The article emphasizes the importance of international support for Taiwan's democracy and the need for dialogue to de-escalate tensions between the two sides.