Vantage | Why China is so upset and US happy with Taiwan's new president

In recent days, Taiwan has emerged as a focal point of global attention due to its recent elections, where the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) successfully retained the presidency. Lai Ching-Te, the president-elect, faces a challenging road ahead, marked by both domestic and international complexities.

Taiwan held elections on Saturday, resulting in a victory for the ruling DPP. Lai Ching-Te, the current vice-president of Taiwan, emerged as the president-elect, securing a promotion in the political landscape. International reactions While the US has expressed satisfaction with the election outcome, China has reacted furiously. A high-level US delegation, led by a former national security advisor, extended congratulations to Lai Ching-Te, emphasizing the enduring support between the two nations. “We are thankful for the United States’ long-term support of Taiwan. I believe our relationship will advance in a stable direction through our continuous hard work, and become an important force to safeguard the peace and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific,” said President-elect Lai Ching-Te. Lai Ching-Te, the son of a coal miner and a Harvard-educated doctor has navigated Taiwanese politics for years. From serving as a member of parliament to becoming the mayor of Tainan and eventually Taiwan’s premier and vice president, his political journey is noteworthy. China’s concerns The election outcome poses a significant challenge for Beijing, as the DPP is considered pro-independence. Taiwan, a self-ruled island, strongly opposes reunification with China, leading to heightened tensions between the two nations. China’s response to Lai Ching-Te’s victory has been marked by military drills and strong statements. A live-fire naval drill featuring an upgraded vessel served as a clear message and threat to Taipei. Chinese officials have been vocal in condemning Taiwan’s pursuit of independence. “Regardless of changes in the situation on the island of Taiwan, it does not change the fundamental fact that there is only one China in the world, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China. Taiwan has never been a country, nor will it be in the future,” said Mao Ning, spokesperson for China’s Ministry Of Foreign Affairs. China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi also responded to the election results in the Taiwan presidential election. “Anyone who violates the One China principle in the international community is interfering in China’s internal affairs and infringing on China’s sovereignty and will surely be opposed by the entire Chinese people and even the international community. The forces of ‘Taiwan independence’ seriously threaten the benefit of Taiwan people, severely damage the fundamental interest of Chinese nation, heavily undermine the peace and stability of Taiwan Strait. This is a road that will lead to a disaster and a dead end,” said Foreign Minister Wang. Despite China’s warnings, several countries including the US, UK, France, Singapore and Japan, congratulated Taiwan on its election results. However, Beijing managed to secure a diplomatic victory as Nauru, one of Taiwan’s last allies switched allegiance to mainland China. Taiwan also firmly responded to the high-handedness displayed by China throughout. “China has been deliberately trying to lure our diplomatic allies over the years, and activated the plan during a critical moment after our election was over, with the aim to attack the freedom of democracy that Taiwanese are proud of. This is how it blatantly shows the totalitarian nature of communism to the world. Taiwan’s government hereby strongly condemns totalitarian China for its ‘powerful bullying’ of Taiwan and suppressing of democracy with an arrogant attitude,” said Taiwan Deputy Foreign Minster Tien Chung-Kwang. As Lai Ching-Te prepares to assume office on 20 May, he faces formidable challenges. With China adamantly opposing Taiwan’s independence, the next four years are likely to test the resilience of the self-governed island. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views. Read all the Latest News , Trending News , Cricket News , Bollywood News , India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.