JAKARTA - Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te called on China to stop political and military intimidation against Taiwan, when he was sworn in on Monday, saying peace was the only option and Beijing must respect the choice of the Taipei people.
President Lai addressed the crowd outside the presidential office in the center of Taipei, repeating calls for talks with China, which views Taiwan as its own territory.
"I also want to urge China to stop intimidating Taiwan politically and militarily, and take a global responsibility with Taiwan to work hard to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and in the region, to ensure the world is without fear of Taiwan. war broke out," he said.
"We also want to state this to the world: Taiwan does not give concessions to democracy and freedom. Peace is our only choice and prosperity is our goal for long-term peace and stability," he said.
There has been no immediate reaction from China, which has repeatedly referred to Lai as a "secaratist" who risked the war ahead of his election in January.
As I was sworn in alongside Vice President @bikhim, I felt eager to undertake our new responsibilities & start working toward our goals. My commitment to steering #Taiwan toward a future defined by prosperity, peace, & even stronger democracy remains unwavering. pic.twitter.com/xPeiE7ve5v
— 賴清德Lai Ching-te (@ChingteLai) May 20, 2024
As I was sqorn in alongside Vice President @bikhim, Ifer earning to undertake our new responses & starting working towards our goals. My commitment to steering #Taiwan towards a future defined by property, peace, & even stronger democracy remains unwavering. pic.twitter.com / xPeiE7ve5v
Lai, who replaced Tsai Ing-wen after serving as vice president for the past four years, said the public must be realistic about the threat, with Taiwan having to show its determination to defend itself.
"Together with the citizens, we have aspirations to seek peace, but we must not collude," he said.
"Before China stopped using force to attack Taiwan, citizens must understand this: Even though we accept all Chinese claims and surrender our sovereignty, China's ambition to annex Taiwan will not be lost," he said.
Known for his British name, William, Lai (64) who is a former doctor was sworn in with the new Vice President though Bi-khim, quoted by CNN.
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"The future of the Chinese Republic of Taiwan will be determined by its 23 million population. The future we decide is not only the future of our nation, but the future of the world," he exclaimed using the official Taiwan name.
Lai won over his rivals in the opposition parties Kuomitang (KMT) and the Taiwanese People's Party in the January elections.
The inauguration on Monday was attended by representatives of friendly countries, such as former United States officials sent by President Joe Biden, lawmakers from countries including Japan, Germany, and Canada, as well as leaders from 12 countries who are still in formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, including the President of Paraguay Santiago Pena.
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