During his inaugural address, he said he hopes China will face the reality of Taiwan's existence.
TAIPEI – Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te urged China to cease its military and political intimidation against the self-governing island, as his inauguration ushered in“I hope that China will face the reality of the Republic of China’s existence,” the 64-year-old said, using Taiwan’s official name, in an inaugural address on May 20.
Since his predecessor Tsai Ing-wen took office in 2016, Beijing – which claims sovereignty over Taiwan – has cut off all official communications with Taipei, citing Ms Tsai’s refusal to endorse the notion of a single Chinese nation. Spectators were treated to a show of marching bands, military foot drills, and song-and-dance performances from different community groups., 52, who had served as Taiwan’s de facto ambassador to Washington from 2020 until her resignation last November to run in the election in January this year.While the new administration is expected to largely continue the policies of Ms Tsai, Beijing has a particular distrust of Mr Lai, repeatedly labelling him a “dangerous separatist” and a “troublemaker”.
Taiwan needs to demonstrate its resolution to defend itself, raise its defence awareness and strengthen its legal framework for national security, he added.
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