Lai Ching-te urges China to accept Taiwan's existence in inaugural speech

Beijing slams 'dangerous signals' as miner's son completes rise to presidency

20240520 Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te delivers his inaugural speech

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te delivers his inaugural speech after being sworn into office in Taipei on May 20. © AFP/Jiji

THOMPSON CHAU, Contributing writer

TAIPEI -- Taiwan's new president, Lai Ching-te, was sworn in on Monday, completing his ascent from humble beginnings to the top office and calling on China to respect the will of voters.

"I hope that China will face up to the fact that the Republic of China exists, respect the choice of the Taiwanese people, show sincerity, and replace confrontation with dialogue," he said in his inaugural speech, drawing applause. He urged Beijing to engage "with Taiwan's democratically elected and legitimate government on the basis of the principles of reciprocity and dignity."

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored ContentThis content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.