The Chinese government said its position on “national reunification” remains unchanged as world leaders congratulated William Lai Qingde.
China says “unification” with Taiwan remains “inevitable” after President-elect William Lai Qingde won Saturday’s pivotal election on the autonomous island it claims as its own. .
Lai of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) won despite warnings from China not to vote for him. According to the results of the Central Election Commission, he received 40.2% of the total votes cast.
In his victory speech, Lai said, “I would like to thank the Taiwanese people for carving a new chapter in our democracy.” “We are telling the international community that between democracy and authoritarianism, we stand on the side of democracy.”
In the run-up to the polls, China denounced Lai as a dangerous separatist, saying he would be a threat to peace in the region if he won and calling the election a choice between “peace and war.”
Here are some of the reactions to the all-important vote.
China
“Taiwan is China’s Taiwan,” Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the Chinese government’s Taiwan Affairs Office, said in a statement carried by state news agency Xinhua, adding that the Democratic Progressive Party “cannot represent mainstream public opinion in Taiwan.”
But he added that the vote “will not disrupt the inevitable trend of China’s unification.”
Taiwan has been autonomous since the 1940s, but China still claims it and the surrounding area.
Binhua said the vote “does not change the basic situation or development trend of cross-strait relations.” “The Chinese government’s position on achieving national reunification is consistent, and our resolve is rock solid.”
China “firmly opposed”[s] “These are separatist activities and foreign interference aimed at ‘Taiwan independence,'” he added.
America
Asked by reporters about Washington’s position on Taiwan’s presidential vote, President Joe Biden said the United States “does not support” Taiwan’s independence.
The Biden administration has been concerned that the election, transition, and new administration will intensify the conflict with Beijing.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken saluted Rai’s victory in a statement, praising the self-governing island’s “robust democratic institutions and electoral process.”
Blinken added that the United States is “committed to maintaining peace and stability on both sides of the Strait and to resolving differences peacefully, without coercion or pressure.”
Russia
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a statement that the Russian government continues to view Taiwan as an integral part of China.
The Russian government has repeatedly expressed support for the Chinese government’s “one China” policy regarding the Taiwan issue.
european union
In a statement, the EU “welcomed” Taiwan’s presidential election and congratulated all voters who “participated in this democratic movement,” but did not mention President-elect Lai.
“The EU remains concerned about rising tensions in the Taiwan Strait and opposes any attempt to unilaterally change the status quo,” EU foreign affairs chief Spokesman Josep Borrell said in a statement.
“The European Union emphasizes that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is key to regional and global security and prosperity.”
England
British Foreign Secretary David Cameron congratulated Lai and said he hoped Taiwan and China would resume efforts to peacefully resolve their differences.
“Today’s election is a testament to Taiwan’s vibrant democracy,” Prime Minister David Cameron said in a statement.
“We hope that both sides in the Taiwan Strait will renew their efforts to resolve their differences peacefully through constructive dialogue, without the use of force, threats or intimidation.”
Japan
Japan congratulated Yori on the smooth implementation of the democratic election and his victory.
In a statement, the Japanese government said, “We hope that issues surrounding Taiwan will be resolved peacefully through dialogue, thereby contributing to peace and stability in the region.” “We aim to be an extremely important partner.” cooperation. “
Lithuania
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis congratulated Rai on his victory.
“I join the people of Taiwan in celebrating the strength of our free and fair democracy,” he said in a post on social media platform X.