Taiwan voters rebuff China and give ruling party third presidential term

AFP

Taiwanese voters swept the ruling Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) presidential candidate Lai Ching-te into power on Saturday in an explicit rejection of China's warnings not to vote for him in an election Beijing framed as a choice between war and peace.

Current Vice President Lai's DPP, which champions Taiwan's separate identity and rejects China's territorial claims, was seeking a third term, unprecedented under Taiwan's current electoral system.

Lai was facing two opponents for the presidency - Hou Yu-ih of Taiwan's largest opposition party the Kuomintang (KMT) and former Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je of the small Taiwan People's Party, only founded in 2019. Both conceded defeat.

Lai was due to speak to reporters at 8:30 pm (1230 GMT) in Taipei.

In the run-up to the election, China denounced Lai as a dangerous separatist, saying that any moves towards Taiwan's formal independence meant war, and rebuffed Lai's calls for talks.

Lai says he is committed to preserving peace and the status quo across the Taiwan Strait and boosting the island's defences.

More from International News

News

  • UAE soldier dies during training mission

    The UAE Ministry of Defence has announced the death of soldier Issa Ghuloom Al Baloushi, who passed away during a training mission in the country on Saturday.

  • UAE expresses concern over military escalation in Sudan

    The UAE has expressed deep concern over the continued military escalation by the two warring parties in several areas of Sudan, including El Obeid, and the impact on civilians and the worsening humanitarian situation.

  • UAE steps up relief aid for Lebanon

    Under the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE is sending humanitarian aid to people affected by the ongoing crisis in Lebanon through the UAE Aid Agency.