Australia cautions Beijing to 'respect' outcome of Taiwan elections

China appeared to dismiss Democratic Progressive Party's victory in weekend polls

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said William Lai Ching-te's election victory was a "matter for the people of Taiwan." (Nikkei montage/Source photos by Kento Awashima and Reuters)

SOPHIE MAK and RURIKA IMAHASHI, Nikkei staff writers

January 16, 2024 10:19 JST

SYDNEY -- Australia has called on Beijing to respect the "outcome of democratic elections" after a China-skeptic party and its leader won a tight three-way race in Taiwan's presidential poll.

This weekend, voters handed the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) an unprecedented third consecutive term in office with its leader, William Lai Ching-te, set to be Taiwan's next leader.