Taiwan's Vice President, Lai Ching-te, has been elected as the country's president, an event that is being closely monitored by China. Mr. Lai, a member of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), secured 40 percent of the votes in the election.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken congratulated Mr. Lai on his victory, stating: "We congratulate Dr. Lai Ching-te on his victory in Taiwan's presidential election. We also congratulate the Taiwan people for participating in free and fair elections and demonstrating the strength of their democratic system."
CBS News reported that China has strongly opposed Lai's election and had hoped for his opponent Hou Yu-ih, from the Nationalist party, to win. Yu-ih had previously stated his intention to engage with China and bolster national defense.
A statement from Secretary Blinken's office at the U.S. Department of State (DOS) praised both Lai and the Taiwanese people for their demonstration of democracy through their electoral process.
Blinken further stated: "The United States is committed to maintaining cross-Strait peace and stability, and the peaceful resolution of differences, free from coercion and pressure. The partnership between the American people and the people on Taiwan, rooted in democratic values, continues to broaden and deepen across economic, cultural, and people-to-people ties," He added: "We look forward to working with Dr. Lai and Taiwan’s leaders of all parties to advance our shared interests and values, and to further our longstanding unofficial relationship, consistent with the U.S. one China policy as guided by the Taiwan Relations Act, the three Joint Communiques, and the Six Assurances. We are confident that Taiwan will continue to serve as an example for all who strive for freedom, democracy and prosperity."
The Washington Post reported that following his election victory alongside running mate Hsiao Bi-khim, Lai pledged to collaborate with the U.S. to strengthen Taiwan's defenses, despite China's ongoing threat to invade the island.
In his victory speech, Lai emphasized Taiwan's commitment to democracy, stating: "Between democracy and authoritarianism, we will stand on the side of democracy. I want to thank the Taiwanese people for writing a new chapter in our democracy."
