Quick access to main page (top) Direct access to main contents Quick access to main page (bottom)

Taiwan Election Victory Sparks Cheers in the West, Worries in Beijing

Eugene Park Views  

Lai Ching-te’s Victory in Taiwan’s Presidential Election and International Reactions
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s Congratulations and Biden’s Caution

美·EU·日 “민주주의의 승리” VS 中·러 “하나의 중국 원칙 불변”
Lai Ching-te, the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate in Taiwan, celebrates her victory in the 16th presidential election in Taipei, Taiwan, on the 13th. AP-Yonhap News

While the United States, Japan, and Europe welcomed the presidential election victory of Lai Ching-te, a hardline independent of the pro-American ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), China expressed discomfort.

On the 13th (local time), U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken congratulated Lai Ching-te’s victory: “We look forward to working with Dr. Lai and Taiwan’s leaders of all parties to advance our shared interests and values and to further our longstanding unofficial relationship, consistent with the U.S. one-China policy.” The U.S. is expected to continue its close diplomatic relationship with Taiwan, including in the economic sector such as semiconductors, with another pro-American regime for four more years following the existing Tsai Ing-wen government. However, the U.S. kept its remarks within the bounds of not provoking China. Before his departure for Camp David, President Joe Biden took a cautious approach, reaffirming the longstanding U.S. position against supporting Taiwan’s independence. Emphasizing the importance of peaceful cross-strait relations, Biden clearly articulated that the United States does not endorse Taiwan’s independence.

European Union’s Statement and UK Foreign Secretary’s Remarks

European countries also conveyed their congratulations on Lai’s election. The European Union (EU) opposed any attempt to change the current situation, saying in a statement by the spokesperson of the European External Action Service (EEAS) that “peace in the Taiwan Strait is the key to global prosperity” and congratulating the voters. UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron said, “The elections today are a testament to Taiwan’s vibrant democracy,” and expressed hope that “the two sides of the Taiwan Strait will renew efforts to resolve differences peacefully through constructive dialog, without the threat or use of force or coercion.”

Japan expressed its approval of Lai Ching-te’s election victory. The night before, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa congratulated Lai Ching-te’s win and the smooth execution of the democratic elections. Kamikawa also mentioned Japan’s intention to enhance cooperation and exchanges with Taiwan further.

China’s Discomfort and Russia’s Concern

On the other hand, China and Russia showed disappointment at the news of the defeat of the pro-China Kuomintang candidate, Hou Yu-ih. A spokesperson for China’s Taiwan Affairs Office stressed that “Taiwan is ‘China’s Taiwan'” and added, “We believe that the international community will continue to support the ‘One China’ principle and support China’s reunification with Taiwan.”

Russia, maintaining its stance that Taiwan is part of China, called on “external forces attempting to pressure China” to abstain from provocative actions that could jeopardize regional stability and international security.

Eugene Park
content@www.kangnamtimes.com

Comments0

300

Comments0

[ASIA] Latest Stories

  • Is First Lady Kim Keon Hee’s Scandal Too Big to Ignore? South Korea Awaits President’s Response
  • From Perfect Scorer to Perfect Criminal: The Shocking Gangnam Murder
  • Parole Decision for President's Mother-in-Law: Politics or Justice?
  • North Korea's Immoral Pension Plan Amounts to Less Than $1
  • North Koreans Paying Up to $85,000 to Defect the Country
  • South Korea Exposes North Korea's Human Rights Abuses

Weekly Best Articles

  • Why Japanese Cars Are America’s Favorites: Quality & Durability Win Big
  • Toyota’s Tiny Off-Roader: What We Know So Far About the Land Cruiser Mini
  • Starving Soldiers Attack Civilians for Acorns—North Korea’s Shocking Reality
  • Toyota’s New Land Cruiser ROX: Ultimate Dad-Mobile Hits SEMA
  • Honda’s Civic e:HEV Gets a Luxe Makeover with Pure Silver Coating
  • 2NE1’s Park Bom Brings Back Her Signature Voice in New Drama Soundtrack ‘I Want U Back’
  • IU Reflects on Six-Month World Tour: ‘Every Audience Member Felt Special’
  • Han Ga In Gets Real About Motherhood, Hair Loss, and Her Daily Beauty Rituals
  • Ko Young Wook Sparks Debate Again, Now Over G-Dragon’s Fashion Choice
  • Rumors Gone Wild? Juice Se Yeon Shuts Down $1.2M Sponsorship Scandal
  • Kia Transforms Tasman Pickup Into Sleek 7-Seater SUV—Here’s What Changed
  • Tesla’s Market Share Falls Below 50%—GM Rises with Strong Q3 Results

You May Also Like

  • 1
    Han Ga In Gets Real About Motherhood, Hair Loss, and Her Daily Beauty Rituals

    ENTERTAINMENT 

  • 2
    Ko Young Wook Sparks Debate Again, Now Over G-Dragon’s Fashion Choice

    ENTERTAINMENT 

  • 3
    Rumors Gone Wild? Juice Se Yeon Shuts Down $1.2M Sponsorship Scandal

    ENTERTAINMENT 

  • 4
    Kia Transforms Tasman Pickup Into Sleek 7-Seater SUV—Here’s What Changed

    TECH 

  • 5
    Tesla’s Market Share Falls Below 50%—GM Rises with Strong Q3 Results

    TECH 

Popular Now

  • 1
    ‘I Felt Like I Died’: Ben Shares Raw Emotions After Divorce

    ENTERTAINMENT 

  • 2
    IVE Turns Starship HQ Into a Food Fest With Surprise Food Truck Event

    ENTERTAINMENT 

  • 3
    'The Fiery Priest 2' Cast’s Reunion: Gukbap Obsession, Laughs, and Lee Ha Nee’s Big Move

    ENTERTAINMENT 

  • 4
    BTS’ Jin Reveals How Chef Paik Became His Gaming Partner and Mentor

    ENTERTAINMENT 

  • 5
    'I Never Abandoned My Kids': Yulhee Opens Up About Divorce and Custody Decision

    ENTERTAINMENT 

Weekly Best Articles

  • Why Japanese Cars Are America’s Favorites: Quality & Durability Win Big
  • Toyota’s Tiny Off-Roader: What We Know So Far About the Land Cruiser Mini
  • Starving Soldiers Attack Civilians for Acorns—North Korea’s Shocking Reality
  • Toyota’s New Land Cruiser ROX: Ultimate Dad-Mobile Hits SEMA
  • Honda’s Civic e:HEV Gets a Luxe Makeover with Pure Silver Coating
  • 2NE1’s Park Bom Brings Back Her Signature Voice in New Drama Soundtrack ‘I Want U Back’
  • IU Reflects on Six-Month World Tour: ‘Every Audience Member Felt Special’
  • Han Ga In Gets Real About Motherhood, Hair Loss, and Her Daily Beauty Rituals
  • Ko Young Wook Sparks Debate Again, Now Over G-Dragon’s Fashion Choice
  • Rumors Gone Wild? Juice Se Yeon Shuts Down $1.2M Sponsorship Scandal
  • Kia Transforms Tasman Pickup Into Sleek 7-Seater SUV—Here’s What Changed
  • Tesla’s Market Share Falls Below 50%—GM Rises with Strong Q3 Results

Must-Reads

  • 1
    Han Ga In Gets Real About Motherhood, Hair Loss, and Her Daily Beauty Rituals

    ENTERTAINMENT 

  • 2
    Ko Young Wook Sparks Debate Again, Now Over G-Dragon’s Fashion Choice

    ENTERTAINMENT 

  • 3
    Rumors Gone Wild? Juice Se Yeon Shuts Down $1.2M Sponsorship Scandal

    ENTERTAINMENT 

  • 4
    Kia Transforms Tasman Pickup Into Sleek 7-Seater SUV—Here’s What Changed

    TECH 

  • 5
    Tesla’s Market Share Falls Below 50%—GM Rises with Strong Q3 Results

    TECH 

Popular Now

  • 1
    ‘I Felt Like I Died’: Ben Shares Raw Emotions After Divorce

    ENTERTAINMENT 

  • 2
    IVE Turns Starship HQ Into a Food Fest With Surprise Food Truck Event

    ENTERTAINMENT 

  • 3
    'The Fiery Priest 2' Cast’s Reunion: Gukbap Obsession, Laughs, and Lee Ha Nee’s Big Move

    ENTERTAINMENT 

  • 4
    BTS’ Jin Reveals How Chef Paik Became His Gaming Partner and Mentor

    ENTERTAINMENT 

  • 5
    'I Never Abandoned My Kids': Yulhee Opens Up About Divorce and Custody Decision

    ENTERTAINMENT 

Share it on...