Have Taiwan's general election results rattled China? A day after the results, Nauru has cut diplomatic ties with Taiwan & established relations with China. Was Beijing behind this? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas | Is China rattled by Taiwan election results?

Multiple warnings have gone unheard in Taiwan as the island chose Lai Ching-te as its next President. Beijing had said choosing the democratic progressive party leader would mean choosing war, but it still failed to sway voters. Taiwan says China has to face the reality, but China remains stern in its stance as it continues to remind the world that reunification is inevitable.

Taiwan chooses 'troublemaker' Lai as President, what's next for the island nation?

China summoned the ambassador from the Philippines on Tuesday. It warned the country "not to play with fire". President Marcos Jr earlier congratulated Taiwan's president-elect Lai Ching-te on his election victory. Watch this video for all details.

China-Philippines tensions: China warns Philippines not to ‘play with fire’ over Taiwan

<p>Taiwan’s outgoing President Tsai Ing-wen, on Monday (Jan 15) said that a visit by the unofficial delegation from the United States highlights “the close and staunch partnership between Taiwan and the US”. The visit comes days after the self-ruled island elected a pro-sovereignty candidate&nbsp;Lai Ching-te, who China said would bring war.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>About the visit</strong></h2>

<p>“Your visit is highly meaningful. It fully demonstrates US support for Taiwan’s democracy and highlights the close and staunch partnership between Taiwan and the US,” Tsai told the delegates sent by US President Joe Biden's administration.</p>

<p>The Biden administration sent an unofficial delegation to Taipei to meet Taiwan’s senior political figures including president-elect and incumbent Vice President Lai Ching-te.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I am grateful for the strong support from the United States for Taiwan's democracy, which demonstrates the close and solid partnership between Taiwan and the United States," said Lai when he&nbsp;met the delegation in Taipei.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;US doesn't support Taiwan's independence after island elects anti-China govt says Joe Biden</strong></p>

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<p>Voters in Taiwan, on Saturday (Jan 13) chose Lai of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), defying pressure and repeated <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-calls-on-china-to-face-reality-respect-election-results-after-beijing-issues-fresh-warning-679953">warnings from China</a>. The vote also marked an unprecedented third consecutive term in power for the liberal DPP.</p>

<p>According to AFP, the US delegation arrived in Taipei the day after the poll and met with Tsai at the Presidential Office on Monday (Jan 15).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The delegation led by the chair of the American Institute of Taiwan – the de facto US embassy for the island – consisted of a former US national security adviser and a former deputy secretary of state.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-not-tolerate-separatist-activities-china-fumes-over-taiwan-elections-result-679739">‘Will not tolerate separatist activities’: China fumes over Taiwan elections result</a></strong></p>

<p>“The US&nbsp;has consistently been a crucial partner in Taiwan’s democratic development process, demonstrating support and recognition for our democratic achievements through public statements and concrete actions on various international platforms,” said Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), as per the island’s media.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It added that the US delegation symbolises bipartisan government support for Taiwan and demonstrates that democratic values are key factors in “propelling Taiwan towards the international stage and embracing the world.”&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>US does not support Taiwan independence</strong></h2>

<p>Ahead of the elections in Taiwan, China had made several remarks going as far as warning voters in Taiwan to make the “right choice”, which included not supporting Lai. The results have since left Beijing, which has long claimed Taiwan as its own territory, fuming.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/from-spy-balloons-to-psychological-warfare-how-china-is-piling-pressure-on-taiwan-ahead-of-election-679264">Taiwan election: From 'spy' balloons to psychological warfare, China is piling on pressure</a></strong></p>

<p>A statement by Beijing’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Chen Binhua, as quoted by state news agency Xinhua, said China vowed that it would not tolerate “separatist activities in Taiwan” that it claims as its own. The claim has repeatedly been rejected by the incumbent government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Washington, on Saturday (Jan 13) congratulated Lai but maintained that the US does not support independence for the self-ruled island. “We do not support independence,” Biden told a press conference after he was asked about his government’s position on Taiwan.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Taiwan’s outgoing President Tsai Ing-wen, on Monday (Jan 15) said that a visit by the unofficial delegation from the United States highlights “the close and staunch partnership between Taiwan and the US”.

Taiwan’s outgoing President Tsai Ing-wen, on Monday (Jan 15) said that a visit by the unofficial delegation from the United States highlights “the close and staunch partnership between Taiwan and the US”. The visit comes days after the self-ruled island elected a pro-sovereignty candidate Lai Ching-te, who China said would bring war. About the visit “Your visit is highly meaningful. It fully demonstrates US support for Taiwan’s democracy and highlights the close and staunch partnership between Taiwan and the US,” Tsai told the delegates sent by US President Joe Biden's administration. The Biden administration sent an unofficial delegation to Taipei to meet Taiwan’s senior political figures including president-elect and incumbent Vice President Lai Ching-te. "I am grateful for the strong support from the United States for Taiwan's democracy, which demonstrates the close and solid partnership between Taiwan and the United States," said Lai when he met the delegation in Taipei. WATCH | US doesn't support Taiwan's independence after island elects anti-China govt says Joe Biden Voters in Taiwan, on Saturday (Jan 13) chose Lai of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), defying pressure and repeated warnings from China. The vote also marked an unprecedented third consecutive term in power for the liberal DPP. According to AFP, the US delegation arrived in Taipei the day after the poll and met with Tsai at the Presidential Office on Monday (Jan 15). The delegation led by the chair of the American Institute of Taiwan – the de facto US embassy for the island – consisted of a former US national security adviser and a former deputy secretary of state. ALSO READ | ‘Will not tolerate separatist activities’: China fumes over Taiwan elections result “The US has consistently been a crucial partner in Taiwan’s democratic development process, demonstrating support and recognition for our democratic achievements through public statements and concrete actions on various international platforms,” said Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), as per the island’s media. It added that the US delegation symbolises bipartisan government support for Taiwan and demonstrates that democratic values are key factors in “propelling Taiwan towards the international stage and embracing the world.” US does not support Taiwan independence Ahead of the elections in Taiwan, China had made several remarks going as far as warning voters in Taiwan to make the “right choice”, which included not supporting Lai. The results have since left Beijing, which has long claimed Taiwan as its own territory, fuming. ALSO READ | Taiwan election: From 'spy' balloons to psychological warfare, China is piling on pressure A statement by Beijing’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Chen Binhua, as quoted by state news agency Xinhua, said China vowed that it would not tolerate “separatist activities in Taiwan” that it claims as its own. The claim has repeatedly been rejected by the incumbent government. Washington, on Saturday (Jan 13) congratulated Lai but maintained that the US does not support independence for the self-ruled island. “We do not support independence,” Biden told a press conference after he was asked about his government’s position on Taiwan. (With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan's Tsai meets US delegation after key election, calls visit show of 'close and staunch partnership'

Has the rise in DPP's popularity come at the cost of Taiwan's diplomatic relations? Just days after the island chose Lai Ching-Te as its new president, and the ruling party maintained its hold for a third consecutive term, the newly elected lost one of its only remaining allies to China. Central Pacific island nation Nauru has severed its diplomatic ties with Taiwan.

Key ally Nauro severs diplomatic ties with Taiwan days after polls

Taiwan has elected its new president Lai Ching-Te. People also know him as William Lai upon him lies the fate of Taiwan, at least for the next few years. So, who is this man? What is his story? How did he rise to power from poverty?

Gravitas | From poverty to power: Who is Lai Ching-Te?

A US delegation, including two former senior US officials, has arrived in Taiwan for post-election talks. This, along with reinforcing the US goernment's time-honoured interest in maintaining peace across the Taiwan Strait. Their arrival comes a day after Lai Ching-Te, from Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party or DPP won the presidential elections on Saturday.

US delegation in Taiwan for post-poll talks, to meet President Tsai Ing-Wen & top other officials

Multiple warnings have gone unheard in Taiwan as the island chose Lai Chingte as its next President. Beijing had said choosing the democratic progressive party leader would mean choosing war, but it still failed to sway voters. Taiwan says China has to face the reality, but China remains stern in its stance as it continues to remind the world that reunification is inevitable.

Taiwan chooses Lai Ching-Te as president, what now?

Taiwan chooses Lai Ching-Te as president, what will China's next move be?

Japan lauds Lai Ching Te's victory in Taiwan, China warns Japan to not meddle with internal matters

Taiwan's ruling party candidate Lai Ching-te on Saturday, January 13, won the island's presidential election, a vote watched closely from Beijing to Washington. Lai vowed to defend the self-ruled island from Chinese "intimidation".

US delegation in Taiwan for post-poll talks | US congratulates new Taiwanese President

<p>Chinese military on Friday (Jan 12) released a statement saying it would "crush" any efforts made in a bid to endorse Taiwan's independence. The statement comes&nbsp;a day before the scheduled polls in&nbsp;the self-ruled island, which Beijing claims is part of its territory.</p>

<p>"The Chinese People's Liberation Army maintains high vigilance at all times and will take all necessary measures to firmly crush 'Taiwan independence' attempts of all forms," Defence Ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang said in a statement.</p>

<p>Zhang further condemned Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party for propelling the island "toward the dangerous conditions of war" after it bought arms from China's arch-foe the United States.</p>

<p>Taiwan's&nbsp;democracy of 23 million people is disbanded by a narrow 180-kilometre (110-mile) channel from communist-ruled China, which has pledged to retake the island one day.</p>

<p>The presidential election&nbsp;scheduled for Saturday is being closely monitored around the globe as the winner will lead the strategically significant island, a prominent producer of crucial semiconductors, as it manages ties with China.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |</strong> <strong>Taiwan Presidential Election: China calls Taiwanese Presidential candidate as a 'severe danger'</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>In recent years, Beijing has maintained a recurrent military presence around Taiwan and has sent in warplanes and ships to its surroundings in the so-called "grey zone".</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-negotiates-immediate-ceasefire-between-myanmar-army-armed-alliance-679309">China negotiates 'immediate ceasefire' between Myanmar army, armed alliance</a></p>

<h2><strong>Chinese ‘spy’ balloons spotted over Taiwan</strong></h2>

<p>According to the&nbsp;Taiwanese Defence Ministry, Chinese balloons have been spotted flying over Taiwan a number of times in recent months. On occasions, they have&nbsp;crossed&nbsp;the narrow Taiwan Strait which separates the island from mainland China.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Tuesday (Jan 9), Taiwan’s defence ministry said that it spotted four Chinese balloons over the Taiwan Strait a day prior, two of which crossed the Taiwan Strait.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This was after Taiwanese officials said they detected three Chinese balloons flying over the Taiwan Strait on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the Taiwanese defence ministry has not directly said that the balloons are being used for spying. Officials have also said that so far they have not recovered any remains of the balloons and were not considering shooting them down, at least for now.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Amid rise in such&nbsp;incidents, Taiwan accuses China of threatening aviation safety and waging psychological warfare on the island’s people ahead of its presidential and parliamentary elections on Saturday (Jan 13).&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Chinese military on Friday (Jan 12) released a statement saying it would "crush" any efforts made in a bid to endorse Taiwan's independence. The statement comes a day before the scheduled polls in the self-ruled island, which Beijing claims is part of its territory.

Chinese military on Friday (Jan 12) released a statement saying it would "crush" any efforts made in a bid to endorse Taiwan's independence. The statement comes a day before the scheduled polls in the self-ruled island, which Beijing claims is part of its territory. "The Chinese People's Liberation Army maintains high vigilance at all times and will take all necessary measures to firmly crush 'Taiwan independence' attempts of all forms," Defence Ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang said in a statement. Zhang further condemned Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party for propelling the island "toward the dangerous conditions of war" after it bought arms from China's arch-foe the United States. Taiwan's democracy of 23 million people is disbanded by a narrow 180-kilometre (110-mile) channel from communist-ruled China, which has pledged to retake the island one day. The presidential election scheduled for Saturday is being closely monitored around the globe as the winner will lead the strategically significant island, a prominent producer of crucial semiconductors, as it manages ties with China. Watch | Taiwan Presidential Election: China calls Taiwanese Presidential candidate as a 'severe danger' × In recent years, Beijing has maintained a recurrent military presence around Taiwan and has sent in warplanes and ships to its surroundings in the so-called "grey zone". Also read: China negotiates 'immediate ceasefire' between Myanmar army, armed alliance Chinese ‘spy’ balloons spotted over Taiwan According to the Taiwanese Defence Ministry, Chinese balloons have been spotted flying over Taiwan a number of times in recent months. On occasions, they have crossed the narrow Taiwan Strait which separates the island from mainland China. On Tuesday (Jan 9), Taiwan’s defence ministry said that it spotted four Chinese balloons over the Taiwan Strait a day prior, two of which crossed the Taiwan Strait. This was after Taiwanese officials said they detected three Chinese balloons flying over the Taiwan Strait on Sunday. However, the Taiwanese defence ministry has not directly said that the balloons are being used for spying. Officials have also said that so far they have not recovered any remains of the balloons and were not considering shooting them down, at least for now. Amid rise in such incidents, Taiwan accuses China of threatening aviation safety and waging psychological warfare on the island’s people ahead of its presidential and parliamentary elections on Saturday (Jan 13). (With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan presidential election: Will firmly crush 'independence attempts', says China ahead of polls

<p>Highly influenced by China, the South Pacific nation of Nauru on Monday (Jan 15)&nbsp;severed diplomatic ties with Taiwan. The decision by Nauru comes a couple of days after the culmination of presidential elections in Taiwan&nbsp;which suggest Beijing had managed to pull off a significant diplomatic coup.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Nauru government in an official statement said it&nbsp;“will sever ‘diplomatic relations’ with Taiwan as of this day and no longer develop any official relations or official exchanges with Taiwan".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Instead, the island nation was now seeking full resumption of diplomatic relations with China.</p>

<p>“The Government of the Republic of Nauru today announces that, in the best interests of the Republic and people of Nauru, we will be moving to the One-China Principle that is in line with UN Resolution 2758 which recognises the PRC as the sole legal Government representing the whole of China and seeking resumption of full diplomatic relations with the PRC,” read the statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Pacific nation added that the change in no way intended to affect its existing "warm relationships" with other countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Nauru remains a sovereign and independent nation and wants to maintain friendly relations with other countries."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-eyes-taiwan-reunification-china-bolsters-military-aggression-wion-635732"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;China eyes Taiwan 'reunification' | China bolsters military aggression</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Taiwan severs ties as well</strong></h2>

<p>After the switch, Taiwan also released a statement saying it was ending diplomatic relations with Nauru to safeguard its national dignity.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nauru's switching of allegiance makes it the first country after the Taiwanese elections to end diplomatic ties with Taipei. The island nations is now left with&nbsp;only 12 diplomatic allies, including Guatemala, Paraguay, Eswatini, Palau and the Marshal Islands.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-prepares-for-the-chinese-worst-case-scenario-by-altering-its-defence-spending-strategy-571924"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Taiwan prepares for 'worst case scenario' with China by altering defence spending strategy</strong></a></p>

<p>China considers Taiwan a part of its territory but the island nation and its people have never accepted Beijing's control. Taipei holding the presidential elections and electing an anti-China voice in&nbsp;Lai Ching-te did not go down well with Beijing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Immediately after, China went down to work and convinced the&nbsp;island microstate, having a population of 12,500 to abandon Taiwan and follow the one-China principle.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to experts, veteran politician&nbsp;David Adeang's sudden ascension&nbsp;as&nbsp;Nauru's president in October last year might explain the sharp and unexpected turn in the foreign policy of the Pacific nation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With Nauru in China's pocket, there are aspersions among Western allies that Beijing might seek&nbsp;to establish an increased military footprint in the strategically and geopolitically important Pacific region.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Highly influenced by China, the South Pacific nation of Nauru on Monday (Jan 15) severed diplomatic ties with Taiwan. The decision by Nauru comes a couple of days after the culmination of presidential elections in Taiwan which suggest Beijing had managed to pull off a significant diplomatic coup.

Highly influenced by China, the South Pacific nation of Nauru on Monday (Jan 15) severed diplomatic ties with Taiwan. The decision by Nauru comes a couple of days after the culmination of presidential elections in Taiwan which suggest Beijing had managed to pull off a significant diplomatic coup. The Nauru government in an official statement said it “will sever ‘diplomatic relations’ with Taiwan as of this day and no longer develop any official relations or official exchanges with Taiwan". Instead, the island nation was now seeking full resumption of diplomatic relations with China. “The Government of the Republic of Nauru today announces that, in the best interests of the Republic and people of Nauru, we will be moving to the One-China Principle that is in line with UN Resolution 2758 which recognises the PRC as the sole legal Government representing the whole of China and seeking resumption of full diplomatic relations with the PRC,” read the statement. The Pacific nation added that the change in no way intended to affect its existing "warm relationships" with other countries. "Nauru remains a sovereign and independent nation and wants to maintain friendly relations with other countries." Watch | China eyes Taiwan 'reunification' | China bolsters military aggression Taiwan severs ties as well After the switch, Taiwan also released a statement saying it was ending diplomatic relations with Nauru to safeguard its national dignity. Nauru's switching of allegiance makes it the first country after the Taiwanese elections to end diplomatic ties with Taipei. The island nations is now left with only 12 diplomatic allies, including Guatemala, Paraguay, Eswatini, Palau and the Marshal Islands. Also read | Taiwan prepares for 'worst case scenario' with China by altering defence spending strategy China considers Taiwan a part of its territory but the island nation and its people have never accepted Beijing's control. Taipei holding the presidential elections and electing an anti-China voice in Lai Ching-te did not go down well with Beijing. Immediately after, China went down to work and convinced the island microstate, having a population of 12,500 to abandon Taiwan and follow the one-China principle. According to experts, veteran politician David Adeang's sudden ascension as Nauru's president in October last year might explain the sharp and unexpected turn in the foreign policy of the Pacific nation. With Nauru in China's pocket, there are aspersions among Western allies that Beijing might seek to establish an increased military footprint in the strategically and geopolitically important Pacific region. (With inputs from agencies)

Influenced by China, Nauru severs diplomatic ties with Taiwan

China claims 'Taiwan is China's Taiwan' | Taiwan loses first ally post-election

President elect Lai Ching-Te vows to defend Taiwan from China 'intimidation'

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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

Taiwan's ruling party candidate Lai Ching-te on Saturday, January 13, won the island's presidential election, a vote watched closely from Beijing to Washington. Lai vowed to defend the self-ruled island from Chinese "intimidation". Watch to know more!

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China urges the international community to adhere to the one-China principle.

Taipei tells Beijing to face reality

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