Taiwan demanded that the Chinese regime “face reality” and respect the results of the presidential elections

65

Taiwan Calls on China to ‘Face Reality’ and Respect Election Results

Taiwan has demanded that the Chinese regime “face reality” and respect the results of the presidential elections, which were won by pro-independence candidate Lai Ching-te of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on Beijing to respect the election results and “desist from repressing Taiwan to allow positive interactions between the two parties to return to the right track.”

The election, which took place without any incidents, saw Lai Ching-te emerge as the winner with 40.1% of the votes. His victory came in the face of threats and intimidation from China, which has long considered Taiwan to be part of its territory and has repeatedly expressed its intention to “reunify” the two countries, by force if necessary.

In response to Lai’s victory, the Chinese army promised to “crush” any attempt at “independence” by Taiwan, located just 180 km from the mainland.

The election results were closely followed by both China and the United States, with the latter congratulating Lai and Taiwan for their “solid democratic system,” despite maintaining its traditional position of not supporting the independence of the island.

The European Union also congratulated “all the voters” who participated in “this democratic exercise.”

Taiwan, which has been de facto separated from mainland China since 1949, has been the subject of increasing diplomatic, economic, and military pressure from Beijing in recent years.

Lai’s victory signals a continuation of the path set by President Tsai Ing-wen, with both leaders advocating for the autonomy and sovereignty of Taiwan, much to the ire of the Kuomintang opposition, which accuses them of irritating China.

The election also saw the ruling party lose its majority in Parliament, with the KMT opposition obtaining 52 seats and the TPP eight legislators. The renewed legislative elections reflect a significant political shift on the island.

With its strategic position between the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean, and a leading semiconductor industry, Taiwan is a key player in the global economy. Beyond economics, the island’s political future also has significant implications for the geopolitics of the region.

The situation in Taiwan is far from resolved, with Beijing’s intentions and Taiwan’s aspirations continuing to be a point of contention not only between China and Taiwan but among major global powers as well.