Lai Ching-te, Taiwan’s current vice president, declared victory on Saturday evening while his two opposition rivals both conceded defeat.
“This is a night that belongs to Taiwan. We managed to keep Taiwan on the map of the world,” Lai told thousands of jubilant supporters at a rally after his win. “The election has shown the world the commitment of the Taiwanese people to democracy, which I hope China can understand,” he added.
The result shows voters backing the DPP’s view that Taiwan is a de facto sovereign nation that should bolster defenses against China’s threats and deepen relations with fellow democratic countries, even if that means economic punishment or military intimidation by Beijing.
It is also a further snub to eight years of increasingly strongarm tactics towards Taiwan under Xi who has vowed that the island’s eventual “reunification” with the mainland is “a historical inevitability”.
Following Taiwan’s election result, a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Chen Binhua, said no matter “whatever changes take place in Taiwan, the basic fact that there is only one China in the world and Taiwan is part of China will not change.”
The spokesperson continued: “The one-China principle is the solid anchor for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. We believe that the international community will continue to adhere to the one-China principle and understand and support the Chinese people’s just cause of opposing ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist activities and striving to achieve national reunification.”
Locally, both the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader have issued congratulatory remarks to the Taiwanese government.
“Prime Minister Hon. Philip J. Pierre and the Government of Saint Lucia congratulate The Republic of China (Taiwan) President-elect H.E. Lai Ching-Te and Vice-President-elect H.E. Ambassador Hsiao Bi-Khim on their well-earned electoral triumphs,” the Office of the Prime Minister said in a statement. “This momentous occasion not only marks a significant chapter in Taiwan’s political landscape but also strengthens the bonds between our nations.”
Opposition Leader Allen Chastanet took to social media, expressing his confidence that Taiwan is in good hands.
“As you embark on this new chapter of leadership, I am confident that under your guidance, Taiwan will continue to flourish and make significant strides on the world stage,” he said.
