Lai Ching-te assumed leadership of Taiwan region on May 20, positioning himself as a peacemaker in his inaugural speech. However, his tenure has already raised concerns about increased tensions across the Taiwan Strait.
Since 2017, Lai has openly supported Taiwan independence, stating he would maintain this stance regardless of the office he holds. In 2020, he challenged his predecessor for the party nomination, advocating for a more assertive approach toward the Chinese mainland.
Local residents express mixed feelings about Lai's leadership. Retired teacher Mr. Liu stated, \"It will not be good for Taiwan because we don't want war. It's just that simple.\" Another retiree, Mr. Lin, emphasized the need for politicians to focus on improving people's lives rather than political posturing.
Despite these sentiments, Lai continues to emphasize Taiwan's sovereignty, aligning closely with the United States' position. Political scholar Lai Yueh-tchienn observes, \"Lai's aim is to show the U.S. that he is a 'Taiwan independence' supporter they can manage.\" This delicate balance has caught the attention of the Biden administration, which seeks to avoid conflict in the region.
As Lai navigates his role, he remains a pivotal figure in the ongoing discourse surrounding Taiwan's future and its relationship with both the Chinese mainland and international allies.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
