A new chapter began in the national leadership of Taiwan, as the eight-year reign of President Tsai Ing-wen made way for the rule of Lai Ching-te, who was sworn in as the president today.
The Facebook page of TaiwanPlus News reported today: “It’s the start of a new era in #Taiwan.
“Lai Ching-te and Bi-khim Hsiao have been sworn into office as president and vice-president of the nation. Tsai Ing-wen has left the presidential office, marking the end of her eight-year presidency.”
In a post on X, the new president said: “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.”
TaiwanPlus News posted a Facebook video showing Tsai Ing-wen walking alongside Lai Ching-te. Both represent the ruling Democratic Progressive Party.
CNN paid tribute to the outgoing president with an article headlined ‘Tsai Ing-wen: the leader who put Taiwan on the map and stood up to China’.
The CNN article quoted Tsai as saying about her eight-year rule: “What has changed is that Taiwan is no longer overlooked. If someone were to ask me what my legacy for Taiwan is, I would say that I am leaving behind a Taiwan of the world.”
About her successor, Tsai said in an X post: “Wishing President @ChingteLai & Vice President @bikhim all the best as they enter office. I’m confident that they will lead #Taiwan to a better, brighter future.
“I also want to thank the Taiwanese people for their support throughout my time in office. Although no longer president, I will continue to give my all for Taiwan.”
The country has faced constant territorial aggression from its huge neighbour China; and Taiwan under Tsai has also constantly stood its ground against the Chinese threat, cultivating relations with the international community.
On March 31, 2023, Tsai arrived in the United States of America for a “transit” visit on her way to Central America.
China reacted with a threat if Tsai met US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. That meeting took place, anyway, as Tsai passed through the US on her way back to Taiwan in early April 2023.
This fearless stand against China is what new President Lai Ching-te now inherits.
