Victory for Taiwan: A Historic Third Consecutive Presidential Victory
In a historic turn of events, Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) secured its third consecutive presidential win, defying warnings from China about potential conflict escalation. The victory, declared by current Vice President Lai Ching-te, marks a significant moment for Taiwan’s democracy.
A Night for Taiwan: Defying China’s Warnings
Lai Ching-te, in his victory speech, expressed, “This is a night that belongs to Taiwan. We managed to keep Taiwan on the map of the world.” Thousands of jubilant supporters echoed his sentiments, showcasing Taiwan’s commitment to democracy despite China’s cautionary stance.
Democratic Commitment Amidst Opposition Concessions
As Lai’s two opposition rivals conceded defeat, the Vice President emphasized the global significance of the election. “The election has shown the world the commitment of the Taiwanese people to democracy, which I hope China can understand,” he added.
China’s Response: Asserting Sovereignty
Following the results, China swiftly responded, asserting, “Taiwan is part of China.” Lai’s running mate, Hsiao Bi-khim, elected as Vice President, emphasizes Taiwan’s determination to be recognized as a de facto sovereign nation.
Election Results: A Clear Mandate
With the counting concluded, Lai secured just over 40% of the total votes, according to Taiwan’s Central Election Commission. The opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party candidate, Hou Yu-ih, garnered 33.49%, and Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) candidate Ko Wen-je received 26.45%. The high voter turnout, surpassing 71%, underlines the significance of the election.
Vibrant Democracy: Beyond Thorny Issues
The boisterous election campaign reflected Taiwan’s vibrant democratic credentials, addressing both livelihood issues and the complex relationship with China. The result indicates strong support for the DPP’s perspective, advocating Taiwan’s de facto sovereignty and the need to bolster defenses against China’s threats.
A Defiance of Strongarm Tactics
The election outcome serves as a rebuke to eight years of increasing strongarm tactics from China. Despite Xi Jinping’s insistence on Taiwan’s eventual “reunification” with the mainland, voters reaffirm their belief in Taiwan’s autonomy and reject external pressures.
International Reactions: A Strong Democratic System
World powers, including the United States, congratulated Lai on the victory. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken noted that the election demonstrated “the strength of [Taiwan’s] robust democratic system and electoral process.”
China’s Stance: Unyielding
In response, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated its position, stating, “The basic fact that there is only one China in the world and Taiwan is part of China will not change.” Despite international congratulations, China’s Taiwan Affairs Office insisted that the election result “does not represent the mainstream view on the island.”
In conclusion, Taiwan’s historic third consecutive presidential win not only signifies the resilience of its democracy but also sends a powerful message about the island’s autonomy in the face of external pressures. The people of Taiwan have spoken, reaffirming their commitment to democratic values and self-determination.
