Taiwan’s new President Lai Ching-te in his inauguration speech has urged China to stop its military intimidation against the self-governed island Beijing claims as its own territory.
"Fellow compatriots, we have the ideal of pursuing peace, but we must not have illusions," Lai said after being sworn into office. "As China has not yet given up its use of force to invade Taiwan, we should understand that even if we fully accept China’s proposition and give up our sovereignty, China’s attempt to annex Taiwan will not disappear."
He takes over from Tsai Ing-wen, who led Taiwan through eight years of economic and social development despite the Covid-19 pandemic and China’s escalating military threats.
Thousands of people gathered in front of the Presidential Office Building in Taipei for the inauguration ceremony. Donning white bucket hats, the attendees watched on large screens the ceremony’s emcees narrating Lai’s swearing-in ceremony, followed by a military march and colorful artistic performances featuring folk dancers, opera performers and rappers. Military helicopters flew in formation, carrying Taiwan's flag.
Lai accepted congratulations from fellow politicians and delegations from the 12 nations that maintain official diplomatic relations with Taiwan, as well as politicians from the US, Japan and various European states.
Beefing up Taiwan’s security
Lai, also known by his English name William, has vowed to continue his predecessor’s push to to maintain stability between the sides while beefing up Taiwan’s security through imports of advanced fighters and other technology from close partner the US, the expansion of the defense industry with the manufacture of submarines and aircraft, and the reinforcing of regional partnerships with Taiwan’s unofficial allies such as the US, Japan, South Korea and the Philippines.
He takes over from Tsai Ing-wen, who led Taiwan through eight years of economic and social development despite the COVID-19 pandemic and China’s escalating military threats. Lai, 64, is seen as inheriting her progressive policies, including universal health care, backing for higher education and support for minority groups, including making Taiwan the first place in Asia to recognize same-sex marriages.
Lai, who was vice president during Tsai’s second term, came across as more of a firebrand earlier in his career. In 2017, he described himself as a “pragmatic worker for Taiwan’s independence,” drawing Beijing’s rebuke. He has since softened his stance and now supports maintaining the status quo across the Taiwan Strait and the possibility of talks with Beijing.
China's Weibo blocks Lai hashtags
A hashtag saying "Taiwan 520 new authorities take office," referring to Monday's date, was removed on the Chinese social media platform Weibo, with a notice saying that "according to relevant laws, regulations, and policies, the content of this topic has not been displayed."
Another that reported "Lai Ching-te takes office" was also taken down while hashtags featuring Lai's name and that of outgoing Taiwan president Tsai Ing-wen were unavailable.
Search results for Lai's name and other topics still yielded results, however. Lai – denounced by Beijing as a "dangerous separatist" – was sworn in on Monday, calling on China to "cease political and military intimidation" of the island. China considers Taiwan as part of its territory and has long threatened to use force to bring the island under its control. And Weibo comments on the inauguration reflected that official line.
"Retake Taiwan," one user said, while another expressed hope the island will "be returned soon." "If Taiwan province is not retaken and unified, 520 each year will be a day of shame!" one user wrote, referring to Monday's date.
During Taiwan's presidential election in January, the platform blocked a hashtag on the poll after it became one of the site's top-trending topics. There has been scant mention of Lai's inauguration in China's state-run media, with neither state broadcaster CCTV nor ruling party organ People's Daily featuring coverage on their home pages as of 11 am Monday.