Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, extended his congratulations to Taiwan’s new President, Lai Ching-te, who was inaugurated on May 20. The Dalai Lama praised the Taiwanese people’s commitment to democratic values, stating, “It is wonderful to see how firmly rooted democracy has become in Taiwan. The Taiwanese people have not only developed a flourishing, robust democracy but have also achieved great prosperity, while at the same time preserving their rich cultural traditions.” He also wished President Lai success in addressing the challenges ahead and fulfilling the aspirations of Taiwan’s citizens.
Lai Ching-te, a member of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), became the fifth popularly elected president of Taiwan, with the DPP now governing for a third consecutive four-year term. Lai, 64, and Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim took office in a ceremony at the Presidential Office, where Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu of the Kuomintang (KMT) handed over the great seal of the nation, symbolizing Lai’s new role as head of state. The inauguration celebrations included street performances and a military display in Taipei, and outgoing President Tsai Ing-wen also attended the ceremony.
In his inauguration address, Lai Ching-te issued a stern warning to China, urging Beijing to cease its political and military intimidation of Taiwan. He called on China to “share with Taiwan the global responsibility of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait as well as the greater region, and ensure the world is free from the fear of war.”