Taiwanese election results in Chinese displeasure: Lai Ching-te secures third term

Taiwanese candidate from DPP, Lai Ching-te, secures third consecutive term amid geopolitical tensions and China’s increased military pressure

In Taiwan’s recent leadership election on Saturday, Lai Ching-te, the candidate of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) who is branded a threat to peace by China, emerged victorious, securing an unprecedented third consecutive term for the party. Lai received 40.2% of the vote, while his main rival, Hou Yu-ih of the opposition Kuomintang (KMT), conceded with 33.4%.

The election, closely monitored by China and the U.S., unfolded amid geopolitical tensions, with Bejing considering the island as a part of its territory. Lai’s win extends the DPP’s rule after eight years under outgoing President Tsai Ing-wen. Hou advocated for warmer ties with China, criticizing the DPP’s stance on Taiwan’s independence. The populist Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), led by Ko Wen-je, secured 26.4% of the vote, offering an anti-establishment “third way.” Despite attempts to ally against the DPP, the KMT and TPP faced internal disputes.

The election drew attention due to the island’s strategic importance, sitting on a crucial maritime route and housing a vital semiconductor industry. China (PRC) has increased military pressure on the island, with President Xi Jinping emphasizing the “inevitability” of unification. The hashtag “Taiwan election” trended on China’s Weibo before being blocked, highlighting the sensitivity of the issue. Chinese military activities around the island, including air forces and naval probes, raised concerns regarding the outcome of the election.

In addition, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s meeting with a senior Chinese official before the vote underscored the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. The election results not only determined the leader of the island but also elected lawmakers to the 113-seat legislature, adding to the geopolitical significance of the event.

Source: AFP