US and Hong Kong "Congratulate" Tsai Ing-wen's Election Victory vs China "Opposes Independence Attempt" (Summary)

Taiwan newspapers on the 12th filled their headlines with the news of Tsai Ing-wen's confirmed re-election as Taiwan's president.

[Asia Economy Taipei (Taiwan) = Correspondent Sunmi Park, Reporter Eunbyeol Kim] The United States, Japan, and China are showing different reactions to the successful re-election of Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, who expressed her determination to maintain distance from China and protect sovereignty.

On the 11th, as Tsai's victory in the Taiwan election was confirmed, China stated its firm opposition to Taiwan's attempts at independence and division.

Ma Xiaoguang, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council of China, said in a media interview regarding the Taiwan presidential election results, "Our Taiwan policy is clear and consistent," adding, "We uphold the basic policy of peaceful reunification and One Country, Two Systems, as well as the One-China principle."

He emphasized, "China will resolutely safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity," and "We firmly oppose any form of Taiwan independence and separatist attempts."

This reaction from China is a blatant expression of dissatisfaction toward President Tsai’s statement during a press conference with domestic and foreign reporters after her victory confirmation, where she declared that Taiwan will not yield to any threats from China pressuring Taiwan to accept One Country, Two Systems.

At the press conference, President Tsai said, "This election holds significant meaning," and "It has shown the world that when Taiwan's sovereignty and democracy are threatened, the Taiwanese people will raise their determination even more loudly. The government chosen by the people will never succumb to threats."

On the other hand, the governments of the United States and Japan expressed their welcome for President Tsai’s re-election success and showed support for Taiwan’s resolve.

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi announced regarding Tsai’s re-election, "I express congratulations on the smooth conduct of the democratic election and on Tsai Ing-wen’s re-election."

Japanese media interpreted the Taiwan election results as "Taiwan, having witnessed the situation in Hong Kong firsthand, answered 'No' to One Country, Two Systems," and commented, "China needs to respect the will of the Taiwanese people."

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also issued a statement congratulating President Tsai on her re-election. He said, "We also congratulate the Taiwanese people for once again demonstrating the strength of Taiwan’s robust democratic system."

He further emphasized, "Thanks to its free market economy and democracy linked with a vibrant civil society, Taiwan has become a model in the Indo-Pacific region and a force for the global public good."

Joshua Wong, secretary-general of the Hong Kong Demosist? Party and a key figure in the Hong Kong pro-democracy protests, also posted on Facebook after Tsai’s victory confirmation, saying, "The Taiwanese people used their vote to protect freedom and sovereignty. The results of this election in Taiwan are very important to Hong Kong people as well. I hope Hong Kong and Taiwan can become partners in resisting China’s threats."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.