Taiwan's ruling party win third presidential term
Taiwanese voters swept the ruling Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) presidential candidate Lai Ching-te into power on Saturday (January 13), strongly rejecting Chinese pressure to spurn him, as China said it would not give up on achieving "reunification." - REUTERS
Transcript
00:00 At jubilant celebration in Taiwan's capital Taipei on Saturday, as the ruling Democratic
00:09 Progressive Party presidential candidate, Lai Ching-da, swept to power.
00:13 The win is a rebuff to China, which said it would not give up its goals of reunification.
00:18 At the celebrations, Lai lauded his victory.
00:23 The Taiwanese people have taken action to successfully resist the intervention of external
00:28 forces, he said, adding, "This is because we believe in electing our own president."
00:33 But he added he was "determined to safeguard Taiwan from threats and intimidation from
00:38 China."
00:39 His DPP party champions Taiwan's separate identity and rejects China's territorial
00:45 claims.
00:47 In the run-up to the election, China denounced Lai as a dangerous separatist and has repeatedly
00:52 rebuffed Lai's calls for talks.
00:57 But DPP was seeking a third successive four-year term, something that's unprecedented under
01:02 Taiwan's current electoral system.
01:04 Mounting public frustration at domestic issues across its eight years in power meant it has
01:10 lost its majority in parliament, making it harder for Lai to pass legislation.
01:15 Taiwan's election took place at a time of growing geopolitical tensions between Beijing
01:20 and the United States.
01:22 The latter is Taiwan's most important international backer and arms supplier, despite the lack
01:28 of formal diplomatic ties with the island.
01:30 In response to the win, U.S. President Joe Biden said the United States does not support
01:35 the independence of Taiwan.
01:38 The Biden administration has feared that the election and subsequent transition to a new
01:42 administration would escalate conflict with Beijing.
01:47 Since the last election in 2020, China has engaged in an unprecedented level of military
01:52 activity in the Taiwan Strait, including holding two rounds of major war games near the island.
01:59 Lai, however, said, quote, "only peace will benefit both sides."
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