China, EU, and US responses: Taiwanese election

Taiwan’s President-elect Lai Ching-te has been praised by the European Union for his democratic election, while China criticizes him for separatist activities and the US denounces Taiwan’s independence

Following the Taiwanese leadership election resulting in Lai Ching-te securing a third consecutive term on Saturday, the international community has responded with a variety of viewpoints.

The European Union congratulated Taiwan voters for their “democratic exercise,” China criticized Lai for “separatist activities” in the self-ruled island that it claims as its own, while the United States claimed that it does not support Taiwanese independence. 

Beijing strongly condemned the election of Lai Ching-te as Taiwan’s president-elect. In an official statement, Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for Beijing’s Taiwan Affairs Office, stated that China would not tolerate “separatist activities” in the self-ruled island.

Emphasizing adherence to the 1992 Consensus and the one-China principle, the spokesperson vowed to oppose any moves towards “Taiwan independence” and denounced foreign interference.

In response to China’s position, Lai Ching-te promised in his victory speech to protect Taiwan from Chinese “intimidation.” He pledged to uphold peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and stated his resolve to protect the island from China’s persistent threats and intimidation.

The European Union, meanwhile, responded with a statement “welcoming” Taiwan’s presidential election and congratulating all voters who took part in the democratic process. However, Lai Ching-te, was not specifically mentioned in the EU statement. The EU stressed that it opposes any unilateral attempts to alter the status quo while expressing concern over the rising tensions in the Taiwan Strait. The importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait for regional and international security as well as prosperity was emphasized in the statement.

Another response came from U.S. President Joe Biden, who emphasized a consistent position on the issue while clarifying that Washington “do not support independence.” Secretary of State Antony Blinken, on the other hand, congratulated Lai on his victory in the pivotal vote in an official statement, while acknowledging the robust democratic system and electoral process in the self-ruled island. Blinken highlighted Washington’s commitment to maintaining cross-Strait peace and stability, advocating for the peaceful resolution of differences devoid of coercion and pressure.

Geopolitical dynamics continue to center around the region as Taiwan navigates the reactions of the world to its recent election, with tensions between China and Taiwan continuing to draw attention from around the globe.

Source: Newsroom