Beijing is not going to tolerate “separatist activities” in Taiwan after the re-election of Lai Ching-te on Saturday, an official assertion stated Saturday.
“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,” Beijing’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Chen Binhua stated in an announcement carried by state news company Xinhua.
China’s Taiwan Affairs Office stated that the election wouldn’t change the essential panorama of cross-strait relations.
In an announcement carried on China’s state Xinhua news company, Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, stated the outcomes confirmed the Democratic Progressive Party can’t signify mainstream public opinion on the island.
Taiwan’s president-elect Lai Ching-te vowed Saturday to defend the self-ruled island from “intimidation” from China after voters defied warnings from Beijing and swept him to election victory.
Lai – branded by Beijing as a risk to peace within the flashpoint area – secured an unprecedented third consecutive time period for the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) after a raucous marketing campaign through which he pitched himself because the defender of Taiwan’s democratic lifestyle.
China claims Taiwan, separated from the mainland by a 180-kilometer (110-mile) strait, as its personal and refuses to rule out utilizing pressure to result in “unification,” even when battle doesn’t seem imminent.
Beijing, which earlier than the ballot referred to as Lai a “severe danger” and urged voters to shun him, stated Saturday the end result wouldn’t cease “the inevitable trend of China’s reunification”.
In his victory speech Lai stated he would keep peace and stability within the Taiwan Strait, however pledged to defend the island from Chinese belligerence.
“We are determined to safeguard Taiwan from continuing threats and intimidation from China,” he advised supporters.
With votes from just about all polling stations counted, the Central Election Commission stated Lai received 40.1% of votes, forward of Hou Yu-ih of the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) at 33.5%.
The election was watched intently by each Beijing and Washington, Taiwan’s predominant navy accomplice, as the 2 superpowers tussle for affect within the strategically very important area.
Lai thanked the Taiwanese individuals for “writing a new chapter in our democracy” by defying one-party China’s threats and warnings.
“We are telling the international community that between democracy and authoritarianism, we will stand on the side of democracy,” he stated, including that he may even attempt to pursue exchanges with China.
‘Super world-class completely satisfied’
Leading as much as Saturday’s ballot, authorities have repeatedly warned of interference from China, pointing to paid journeys to the mainland for voters and flagging situations of disinformation that painted Lai in a unfavourable gentle.
After his win, Lai stated the island had “successfully resisted efforts from external forces to influence this election”.
The victory extends DPP’s rule after eight years beneath outgoing President Tsai Ing-wen, who had served the utmost two four-year phrases.
Supporters dressed within the celebration’s inexperienced colours celebrated at DPP headquarters.
“We are very, super, world-class happy,” stated first-time voter Grace, 21, a scholar who gave just one title.
“I am confident the new leaders will stick to Tsai’s road and I hope they can safeguard Taiwan’s democracy.”
Conceding defeat, KMT’s Hou, who had argued for hotter ties with China and accused the DPP of antagonizing Beijing with its stance that Taiwan is “already independent,” urged the nation to unite.
“When the people have made their decision, we face them and we listen to the voices of the people,” he advised supporters.
Ko Wen-je – who took 26.4% of the vote with an anti-establishment supply of a “third way” out of the two-party impasse – stated the outcomes put his Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) on the map as a “key opposition force.”
“Ko Wen-je will not give up on building Taiwan into a sustainable country and I would like to appeal to you not to give up as well,” he advised supporters.
During the marketing campaign, the KMT and TPP tried to strike a deal to hitch forces in opposition to the DPP, however the partnership collapsed in public acrimony over who would lead the presidential ticket.
Despite the presidential win, Lai faces a headache already — in legislative elections held alongside the presidential poll, the DPP misplaced its majority within the 113-seat parliament.
KMT took 52 seats, with DPP on 51, TPP eight and two independents.
Located on a key maritime gateway linking the South China Sea to the Pacific Ocean, Taiwan is residence to a powerhouse semiconductor trade producing treasured microchips – the lifeblood of the worldwide economic system powering all the things from smartphones and automobiles to missiles.
The European Union’s overseas coverage chief congratulated Taiwan on the election in an announcement that didn’t point out Lai’s victory.
China has stepped up navy strain on Taiwan in recent times, periodically stoking worries a few potential invasion.
Chinese warplanes and naval ships probe Taiwan’s defenses nearly day by day and Beijing has additionally staged huge struggle video games in recent times – simulating a blockade of the island and sending missiles into its surrounding waters.
The Chinese navy stated the evening earlier than the polls that it will “take all necessary measures to firmly crush ‘Taiwan independence’ attempts of all forms.”
Source: www.dailysabah.com