Lai Ching, Taiwan’s President-elect, continues strong foreign policy stance | Global News

President-elect Lai Ching-te to Continue Tsai Ing-wen’s Legacy in Taiwan

In a symbolic campaign ad, Taiwan’s president-elect Lai Ching-te was shown driving with incumbent President Tsai Ing-wen, highlighting their years of governance together. The message was clear: Lai would continue steering the island in the direction set by Tsai, who was barred from running again after eight years in power.

As Lai, 64, prepares to take office on Monday, he faces the challenge of balancing Taiwan’s unofficial alliance with the United States and maintaining peace with China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory. Lai is also expected to build on Tsai’s domestic reforms, despite facing political gridlock in the legislature.

Tsai, Taiwan’s first female president, leaves office with high approval ratings, reflecting a shift in Taiwan’s identity towards a desire for separate governance from Beijing. During her tenure, Tsai defended Taiwan’s sovereignty from China, legalized same-sex marriage, and modernized the island’s military.

While Tsai’s leadership was praised for strengthening Taiwan’s international standing, she faced challenges from Beijing’s pressure tactics, including poaching diplomatic allies and military posturing near the island. Lai, who served as vice president during Tsai’s second term, aims to continue strengthening ties with the US and maintaining the status quo across the Taiwan Strait.

As Taiwan transitions to a new leader, the legacy of Tsai Ing-wen’s tenure will be remembered for her defense of Taiwan’s sovereignty and efforts to elevate the island’s global standing. Lai’s task will be to build on this foundation while navigating the complex dynamics of Taiwan’s relations with China and the international community.