Taiwan: "China Must Face Presidential Election Results and Stop Threats"

On the 13th (local time), in the Taiwanese presidential election, Lai Ching-te, the candidate of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) with an independent and pro-American stance, won. Taiwan sent a message to China stating that it must "face and respect the results of the Taiwanese presidential election and public opinion, and stop threats and pressure against Taiwan."

In this election, Lai won with 40.05% of the vote, defeating Hou You-yi, the candidate of the pro-China main opposition Kuomintang (KMT) with 33.49%, and Ko Wen-je, the candidate of the centrist second opposition People First Party with 26.46%.

Lai Ching-te, President-elect of Taiwan
[Photo by Yonhap News]

원본보기 아이콘

The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC), Taiwan's agency responsible for mainland China affairs, commented on election night, saying, "The smooth completion of the presidential election in Taiwan shows that the Taiwanese people are not afraid of pressure and are determined to uphold the values of democracy and freedom."

The MAC stated, "It is very regrettable that China attempted to interfere in the election in various ways to influence the vote," adding, "These methods backfired and do not help the development of cross-strait (China and Taiwan) relations. They prove that the determination of the Taiwanese people to maintain a democratic and free way of life cannot be changed."

It continued, "The Taiwanese government will continue to defend sovereignty and the democratic freedom system and will not succumb to pressure," and "It will maintain a consistent stance on peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and handle cross-strait relations steadily."

© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.