“This year’s first presidential election… Taiwan achieves the democratic camp’s first victory.”
Expression of willingness to dialogue with China… “We will exchange and dialogue under the premise of equality and dignity.”
Lai Ching-de, the ruling Democratic Progressive Party’s leader who won Taiwan’s presidential election on the 13th, said, “In this election, Taiwan chose democracy between democracy and authoritarianism.”
After confirming victory in the election on this day, President-elect Lai said in a speech before a foreign press conference, “In the first presidential election that attracts the most attention among the 2024 presidential elections, Taiwan achieved the first victory of the democratic camp.”
He also evaluated that this victory had three important meanings.
He continued, “First, we let the world know that between democracy and authoritarianism, we are on the side of democracy,” and added, “The Republic of China (Taiwan) will continue to walk side by side with the world’s democratic countries.”
President-elect Lai said, “Secondly, the people of Taiwan have successfully blocked the intervention of external forces through real action (through this election),” adding, “This is because we believe that their own president should be elected by their own hands.” .
He continued, “Among the three candidate unions, our union received the most support, which shows that the country is on the right path and will not change direction or return to the past path.”
President-elect Lai said, “President Tsai Ing-wen and her ruling party colleagues have laid a solid foundation for Taiwan’s reform and construction over the past eight years,” and “I and Xiao Mei-chin (Vice President candidate) will build on this foundation to develop the country more stably and soundly.” “I will help people live a better life,” he promised.
He added that the Democratic Progressive Party failed to secure a majority of seats in this legislative election, adding, “This means that our efforts were insufficient, and we will humbly accept this and reflect on it.”
At the same time, he promised to review the political views and arguments of the other candidates, accept those that are helpful to the country and the people, recruit diverse talents without distinguishing between political parties, and prioritize issues on which there is consensus between political parties. He also added that on matters on which there is no agreement, debate will be postponed and communication will be carried out.
He also expressed his willingness to have dialogue regarding China policy.
President-elect Lai suggested, “In accordance with the constitutional system of the Republic of China, we will maintain the status quo without being servile or arrogant, and we will exchange instead of blockade and dialogue instead of confrontation under the premise of equality and dignity.”
He also said, “We will promote exchanges with China with confidence, promote the welfare of the people on both sides of the Strait, and achieve the goal of peace and co-prosperity,” adding, “We will face China’s civil and communist revolution (verbal attacks and military threats).” “I have the determination to protect Taiwan,” he emphasized.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.