Lai Ching-te Inaugurated as Taiwan's New President Amid Tensions with China, Third Consecutive Term

May 20, 2024, 01:06 AM

Lai Ching-te has been inaugurated as Taiwan's new president, succeeding Tsai Ing-wen. Lai, the son of a coal miner, has risen from humble beginnings to the highest office in Taiwan. His inauguration ceremony took place in Taipei, attended by various foreign leaders and dignitaries. In his upcoming inauguration speech, Lai is expected to express goodwill towards China and call for peace across the Taiwan Strait. His presidency comes at a time of heightened tensions with China, which views him as a separatist. Lai also faces challenges from a fractious parliament and an opposition eager to challenge his administration. His leadership is likely to bolster Taiwan's ties with the United States. This marks an unprecedented third consecutive presidential term for the Democratic Progressive Party.