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<p>China on Saturday (Jan 13) fumed over Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) leader <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lai-ching-te-secures-victory-in-taiwans-presidential-race-amid-rising-tensions-with-china-679661">Lai Ching-te as he won the elections </a></strong>in Taiwan and is set to become the island's president in May. According to a report by the news agency Xinhua, China vowed that it would not tolerate "separatist activities in Taiwan" that it claims as its own.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to a report by the news agency Xinhua, Beijing's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Chen Binhua said, "We will adhere to the 1992 Consensus that embodies the one-China principle and firmly oppose the separatist activities aimed at 'Taiwan independence' as well as foreign interference."</p>

<p>Binhua also said that Saturday's vote "will not impede the inevitable trend of China's reunification." He added, "The Democratic Progressive Party cannot represent the mainstream public opinion on the island."</p>

<h2><strong>US reacts to polls result</strong></h2>

<p>This year's Taiwan election was closely watched by China as well as the United States. The US on Saturday congratulated Lai Ching-te but maintained that Washington does not support independence for the self-ruled island claimed by Beijing.</p>

<p>"We do not support independence," US President Joe Biden told a press conference after he was asked about his government's position on Taiwan.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-elections-2024-lai-ching-te-to-be-next-president-who-is-he-679675">Taiwan elections 2024: Lai Ching-te to be next president. Who is he?</a></strong></p>

<p>In a statement, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken congratulated Lai on his victory in the pivotal vote and hailed the "robust democratic system and electoral process" of the self-ruled island.</p>

<p>The Biden administration had announced earlier that it planned to send an unofficial delegation to Taiwan after the vote and warned China against any military provocation.</p>

<h2><strong>Lai vows to defend Taiwan from China's threats</strong></h2>

<p>In his victory speech, president-elect Lai vowed to protect Taiwan from "intimidation" by China. Lai said he would maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, but pledged to defend the island from Chinese belligerence.</p>

<p>"We are determined to safeguard Taiwan from continuing threats and intimidation from China," he added.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Taiwan voters rebuff China, give ruling party third Presidential term</strong></p>

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<p>He further thanked the Taiwanese people for "writing a new chapter in our democracy" by defying one-party-state China's threats and warnings.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


China on Saturday (Jan 13) fumed over Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) leader Lai Ching-te as he won the elections in Taiwan and is set to become the island's president in May.

China on Saturday (Jan 13) fumed over Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) leader Lai Ching-te as he won the elections in Taiwan and is set to become the island's president in May. According to a report by the news agency Xinhua, China vowed that it would not tolerate "separatist activities in Taiwan" that it claims as its own. According to a report by the news agency Xinhua, Beijing's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Chen Binhua said, "We will adhere to the 1992 Consensus that embodies the one-China principle and firmly oppose the separatist activities aimed at 'Taiwan independence' as well as foreign interference." Binhua also said that Saturday's vote "will not impede the inevitable trend of China's reunification." He added, "The Democratic Progressive Party cannot represent the mainstream public opinion on the island." US reacts to polls result This year's Taiwan election was closely watched by China as well as the United States. The US on Saturday congratulated Lai Ching-te but maintained that Washington does not support independence for the self-ruled island claimed by Beijing. "We do not support independence," US President Joe Biden told a press conference after he was asked about his government's position on Taiwan. Also read | Taiwan elections 2024: Lai Ching-te to be next president. Who is he? In a statement, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken congratulated Lai on his victory in the pivotal vote and hailed the "robust democratic system and electoral process" of the self-ruled island. The Biden administration had announced earlier that it planned to send an unofficial delegation to Taiwan after the vote and warned China against any military provocation. Lai vows to defend Taiwan from China's threats In his victory speech, president-elect Lai vowed to protect Taiwan from "intimidation" by China. Lai said he would maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, but pledged to defend the island from Chinese belligerence. "We are determined to safeguard Taiwan from continuing threats and intimidation from China," he added. Also watch | Taiwan voters rebuff China, give ruling party third Presidential term × He further thanked the Taiwanese people for "writing a new chapter in our democracy" by defying one-party-state China's threats and warnings. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Will not tolerate separatist activities’: China fumes over Taiwan elections result

<p>Taiwan advised China to "face reality" after Beijing issued a fresh warning to the self-ruled island stating that any efforts made towards independence would be "harshly punished".</p>

<p>This came a day after Lai Ching-te, the presidential candidate representing Taiwan's ruling party, secured victory in an election that China had characterised as a pivotal choice between "war and peace".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Taipei's foreign ministry on Sunday (Jan 14) told Beijing to respect the election result and give up suppressing Taiwan.</p>

<p>"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs calls on the Beijing authorities to respect the election results, face reality and give up suppressing Taiwan in order for positive cross-strait interactions to return to the right track," it said in a statement.</p>

<p>Beijing which considers Taiwan as its territory and has never stopped using force to impose its will on the island, argued that the election did not alter the fact that Taiwan still&nbsp;remained a part of China.</p>

<p>China's foreign minister Wang Yi warned that steps towards the self-ruled island's independence would lead to harsh punishment.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Taiwan Election 2024: Taipei asks Beijing to respect results of election, give up suppressing Taiwan</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>"If anyone on the island of Taiwan thinks of going for independence, they will be... trying to split China, and will certainly be harshly punished by both history and the law," Wang Yi said in a joint press conference with his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry in Cairo, adding: "This is a dead end."</p>

<p>"Taiwan has never been a country. It wasn't in the past, and it certainly won't be in the future," he added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-army-vows-to-crush-taiwan-independence-efforts-679372">Taiwan presidential election: 'Will firmly crush 'independence' attempts' says China ahead of polls</a></p>

<h2><strong>Lai Ching-te secures victory in Taiwan’s presidential race&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Lai Ching-te on Saturday (Jan 13) secured victory in Taiwan's elections.</p>

<p>Facing two opponents in the presidential race, Lai contended with Hou from the KMT and Ko Wen-je, former Taipei Mayor representing the Taiwan People's Party, founded in 2019.</p>

<p>The election unfolded against the backdrop of China denouncing Lai as a 'separatist', rejecting calls for talks. Lai, in contrast, has emphasised his commitment to maintaining peace across the Taiwan Strait while bolstering the island's defences.</p>

<p>Ahead of the election, China consistently labelled Lai as a dangerous separatist. Taiwan's defence ministry reported the spotting of Chinese balloons crossing the sensitive Taiwan Strait on the election day, further escalating tensions. The ministry classified the balloon activities as psychological warfare and a threat to aviation safety.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Taiwan advised China to "face reality" after Beijing issued a fresh warning to the self-ruled island stating that any efforts made towards independence would be "harshly punished".

Taiwan advised China to "face reality" after Beijing issued a fresh warning to the self-ruled island stating that any efforts made towards independence would be "harshly punished". This came a day after Lai Ching-te, the presidential candidate representing Taiwan's ruling party, secured victory in an election that China had characterised as a pivotal choice between "war and peace". Taipei's foreign ministry on Sunday (Jan 14) told Beijing to respect the election result and give up suppressing Taiwan. "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs calls on the Beijing authorities to respect the election results, face reality and give up suppressing Taiwan in order for positive cross-strait interactions to return to the right track," it said in a statement. Beijing which considers Taiwan as its territory and has never stopped using force to impose its will on the island, argued that the election did not alter the fact that Taiwan still remained a part of China. China's foreign minister Wang Yi warned that steps towards the self-ruled island's independence would lead to harsh punishment. WATCH | Taiwan Election 2024: Taipei asks Beijing to respect results of election, give up suppressing Taiwan × "If anyone on the island of Taiwan thinks of going for independence, they will be... trying to split China, and will certainly be harshly punished by both history and the law," Wang Yi said in a joint press conference with his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry in Cairo, adding: "This is a dead end." "Taiwan has never been a country. It wasn't in the past, and it certainly won't be in the future," he added. Also read: Taiwan presidential election: 'Will firmly crush 'independence' attempts' says China ahead of polls Lai Ching-te secures victory in Taiwan’s presidential race Lai Ching-te on Saturday (Jan 13) secured victory in Taiwan's elections. Facing two opponents in the presidential race, Lai contended with Hou from the KMT and Ko Wen-je, former Taipei Mayor representing the Taiwan People's Party, founded in 2019. The election unfolded against the backdrop of China denouncing Lai as a 'separatist', rejecting calls for talks. Lai, in contrast, has emphasised his commitment to maintaining peace across the Taiwan Strait while bolstering the island's defences. Ahead of the election, China consistently labelled Lai as a dangerous separatist. Taiwan's defence ministry reported the spotting of Chinese balloons crossing the sensitive Taiwan Strait on the election day, further escalating tensions. The ministry classified the balloon activities as psychological warfare and a threat to aviation safety. (With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan calls on China to ‘face reality’, respect election results after Beijing issues fresh warning

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<p>Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) candidate <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lai-ching-te-secures-victory-in-taiwans-presidential-race-amid-rising-tensions-with-china-679661">Lai Ching-te is set to be the next president of Taiwan</a></strong> after he won Saturday's (Jan 13) election, defeating Hou Yu-ih of the Kuomintang (KMT) and Ko Wen-je of the Taiwan People's Party (TPP) by a huge margin. In his victory speech, Lai, 64, said that Taiwan would stand by the side of democracy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I want to thank the Taiwanese people for writing a new chapter in our democracy. We are telling the international community that between democracy and authoritarianism, we will stand on the side of democracy," he said.</p>

<p>"The Taiwanese people have successfully resisted efforts from external forces to influence this election," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We don't want to become enemies with China. We can become friends. We are determined to safeguard Taiwan from continuing threats and intimidation from China," he added.</p>

<p>The president-elect also pledged to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait saying, “I will act... in a manner that is balanced and maintain the cross-strait status quo.”</p>

<p>The DPP champions Taiwan's separate identity and rejects China's territorial claims. The island has been a democratic success story since holding its first direct presidential election in 1996.</p>

<h2><strong>Who is Lai Ching-te?</strong></h2>

<p>Also widely known by his English name William, Lai Ching-te is a doctor by training. He is currently the vice president of Taiwan and will take office as president on May 20. Lai was born on Oct 6, 1959. He attended school in Taipei and completed his undergraduate studies (bachelor in science) at National Taiwan University’s Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.</p>

<p>Lai then did his post-graduate studies in Medical Science at National Cheng Kung University. He then obtained a Master of Public Health degree from Harvard University, making him one of the few physicians in Taiwan with rehabilitation, clinical care, and public health expertise.</p>

<p>"In 1994 when he was a chief resident at National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Taiwan was holding its first direct election for Taiwan provincial governor," according to <strong><a href="https://english.president.gov.tw/Page/543">Lai's official website</a></strong>.</p>

<h2><strong>His entry into politics</strong></h2>

<p>In 1996, Lai gave up his medical career and entered into politics during the Taiwan Strait Crisis. In 1998, he was elected to the Legislative Yuan representing Tainan City. Lai's website said that he was named "Best Legislator" by Citizen Congress Watch and led delegations to Japan and the United States to conduct parliamentary diplomacy.</p>

<p>He was the former mayor of Tainan in southern Taiwan and premier from 2017-19. Lai became vice president in 2020, becoming Tsai Ing-wen's (outgoing Taiwan president) running mate where they won a landslide victory after warning of the threat to Taiwan from China given Beijing's crackdown on anti-government protests in Hong Kong.</p>

<p>During this year's election campaign, Lai said that he would stick to Tsai's path of proffering talks with China and maintaining peace and the status quo, the news agency Reuters reported. The 64-year-old also pledged to defend Taiwan and reiterated only its people can decide the island's future.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) candidate Lai Ching-te is set to be the next president of Taiwan after he won Saturday's (Jan 13) election, defeating Hou Yu-ih of the Kuomintang (KMT) and Ko Wen-je of the Taiwan People's Party (TPP) by a huge margin.

Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) candidate Lai Ching-te is set to be the next president of Taiwan after he won Saturday's (Jan 13) election, defeating Hou Yu-ih of the Kuomintang (KMT) and Ko Wen-je of the Taiwan People's Party (TPP) by a huge margin. In his victory speech, Lai, 64, said that Taiwan would stand by the side of democracy. "I want to thank the Taiwanese people for writing a new chapter in our democracy. We are telling the international community that between democracy and authoritarianism, we will stand on the side of democracy," he said. "The Taiwanese people have successfully resisted efforts from external forces to influence this election," he added. "We don't want to become enemies with China. We can become friends. We are determined to safeguard Taiwan from continuing threats and intimidation from China," he added. The president-elect also pledged to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait saying, “I will act... in a manner that is balanced and maintain the cross-strait status quo.” The DPP champions Taiwan's separate identity and rejects China's territorial claims. The island has been a democratic success story since holding its first direct presidential election in 1996. Who is Lai Ching-te? Also widely known by his English name William, Lai Ching-te is a doctor by training. He is currently the vice president of Taiwan and will take office as president on May 20. Lai was born on Oct 6, 1959. He attended school in Taipei and completed his undergraduate studies (bachelor in science) at National Taiwan University’s Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Lai then did his post-graduate studies in Medical Science at National Cheng Kung University. He then obtained a Master of Public Health degree from Harvard University, making him one of the few physicians in Taiwan with rehabilitation, clinical care, and public health expertise. "In 1994 when he was a chief resident at National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Taiwan was holding its first direct election for Taiwan provincial governor," according to Lai's official website. His entry into politics In 1996, Lai gave up his medical career and entered into politics during the Taiwan Strait Crisis. In 1998, he was elected to the Legislative Yuan representing Tainan City. Lai's website said that he was named "Best Legislator" by Citizen Congress Watch and led delegations to Japan and the United States to conduct parliamentary diplomacy. He was the former mayor of Tainan in southern Taiwan and premier from 2017-19. Lai became vice president in 2020, becoming Tsai Ing-wen's (outgoing Taiwan president) running mate where they won a landslide victory after warning of the threat to Taiwan from China given Beijing's crackdown on anti-government protests in Hong Kong. During this year's election campaign, Lai said that he would stick to Tsai's path of proffering talks with China and maintaining peace and the status quo, the news agency Reuters reported. The 64-year-old also pledged to defend Taiwan and reiterated only its people can decide the island's future. (With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan elections 2024: Lai Ching-te to be next president. Who is he?