Taiwan’s New President Lai Ching-te Calls for Peace with China in Inauguration Speech
Taiwan’s newly inaugurated president, Lai Ching-te, emphasized a desire for peace with China in his inauguration speech on Monday, urging Beijing to cease its military threats and intimidation against the self-governed island. Lai called for China to acknowledge Taiwan’s existence and respect the choices of its people, advocating for dialogue over confrontation.
"We neither yield nor provoke," Lai stated, highlighting his commitment to maintaining peace while affirming Taiwan’s determination to defend itself against threats and infiltration attempts from China. His Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) maintains that Taiwan is already a sovereign nation, rather than seeking formal independence from China.
China's Taiwan Affairs Office criticized Lai's speech, accusing him of promoting separatism, inciting confrontation, and relying on foreign forces to pursue independence. The office's spokesperson, Chen Binhua, reiterated China's stance that both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one China and emphasized the inevitability of eventual reunification.
In response to recent arms sales to Taiwan, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce imposed sanctions on Boeing and two other defense companies. Despite such tensions, Lai's presidency is seen as a continuation of Tsai Ing-wen’s policies, which include bolstering Taiwan's defense capabilities and maintaining stability with China.
Lai, 64, who served as vice president during Tsai's second term, has a history of advocating for Taiwan's independence but has since moderated his stance. He now supports maintaining the status quo and is open to dialogue with Beijing.
During the inauguration ceremony, thousands of people gathered in Taipei, celebrating with a military march and performances. Lai accepted congratulations from fellow politicians, including delegations from the 12 nations that maintain official diplomatic relations with Taiwan and representatives from the U.S., Japan, and European states.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken congratulated Lai, expressing a commitment to working with him to advance shared interests and maintain peace across the Taiwan Strait. Japan's government spokesperson, Yoshimasa Hayashi, also emphasized the importance of peaceful dialogue for the security of the region.
Lai's conciliatory tone is likely to reassure foreign governments concerned about his past reputation as a firebrand. Danny Russell of the Asia Society Policy Institute noted that Lai's speech struck a balance, likely fitting within Beijing's low expectations of him.
Tsai Ing-wen's tenure saw significant reforms and responses to crises, including labor and pension reforms, military modernization, and handling the COVID-19 pandemic. Lai inherits a Taiwan that has navigated these challenges and now looks to continue its path under his leadership.
