Taiwan inaugurated Lai Ching-te as its new president on Monday, ushering in a new era for the self-governing island democracy. Lai, a relative moderate, has pledged to continue Taiwan’s policy of de facto independence while also focusing on bolstering the country’s defenses against China.
Thousands of people gathered in front of the Presidential Office Building in Taipei to witness the inauguration ceremony. Lai, also known as William, received congratulations from fellow politicians and delegations from countries with official diplomatic relations with Taiwan, as well as politicians from the U.S., Japan, and various European states.
Lai, who served as vice president during Tsai Ing-wen’s second term, is seen as inheriting her progressive policies, including universal healthcare, support for higher education, and recognition of same-sex marriages. He has also vowed to strengthen Taiwan’s security through partnerships with countries like the U.S., Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines.
During Tsai’s tenure, Taiwan made significant strides in various areas, including legalizing same-sex marriage and launching a military modernization drive. However, her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic received mixed reviews, with some praising Taiwan’s initial response but criticizing the lack of investment in rapid testing as the pandemic progressed.
Lai’s inauguration marks a new chapter for Taiwan as it navigates complex relations with China and strengthens ties with key allies like the U.S. and Japan. His commitment to maintaining stability while enhancing Taiwan’s security signals a continuation of the island’s efforts to assert its independence on the global stage.