Taiwan’s new president Lai Ching-te issues defiant message to China after historic election win

Taiwan has elected Lai Ching-te to become its next president, securing a historic third consecutive term for the pro-sovereignty ruling Democratic Progressive Party in a result that has angered China.

Mr Lai, 64, a former doctor who had served as vice-president to Tsai Ing-wen since 2020, said the election result showed Taiwan will “continue to walk side by side with democracies around the world”, and emphasised that the election highlighted the Taiwanese people’s desire to safeguard their democratic way of life.

“We are telling the international community that between democracy and authoritarianism, we will stand on the side of democracy,” said Mr