Taiwan’s new President Lai Ching-te has called on Beijing to cease its political and military intimidation against his democratic island country.
“Peace is the only option,” Lai told the crowd attending his inauguration ceremony in Taiwan.
Lai also called on China to share with Taiwan the global responsibility of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait as well as the greater region, and “ensure the world is free from the fear of war.”
“The future of cross-strait relations will have a decisive impact on the world,” Lai said.
Lai urged China to face the reality of the existence of Taiwan and “in good faith, choose dialogue over confrontation and exchange over containment.
“This should be done under the principles of parity and dignity and engage in cooperation with the legal government chosen by Taiwan’s people.
“It can start from the resumption of tourism on a reciprocal basis, and enrollment of degree students in Taiwanese institutions,” Lai said.
A statement issued by Representative and Chief of Taiwan Mission in Nigeria Mr. Andy Yih-Ping Liu, said President Lai was born in 1959 in New Taipei City’s Wanli District, and hails from humble beginnings, as the son of a coal miner. His upbringing and medical training in empirical logic have equipped him with a unique ability to connect with the public and devise tailored solutions, forming the bedrock of his distinctive governing style that garners public trust.
Throughout his career, President Lai has been hailed as one of the world’s most influential figures. Despite being branded by domestic opposition as a golden child of independence, Lai prefers to characterise himself as a “pragmatic worker” dedicated to promoting peace within the Asia-Pacific region.
After earning a B.S. from National Taiwan University’s Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Dr. Lai pursued further education through the Post-Bachelor Program in Medical Science at National Cheng Kung University. He later obtained a Master of Public Health degree from Harvard University in the USA, distinguishing himself as one of the few physicians in Taiwan with expertise in rehabilitation, clinical care, and public health.
In 1998, Dr. Lai was elected to the Legislative Yuan (Parliament), representing Tainan City. Leveraging his medical background, he actively contributed to the Social Welfare and Environmental Hygiene Committee, addressing a myriad of local issues. Dr. Lai’s commitment to professional governance and exemplary service resonated with Tainan citizens, leading to his re-election for four consecutive terms (1999-2010).
Throughout his legislative tenure, Dr. Lai was recognised as the Best Legislator by Citizen Congress Watch, showcasing his leadership and coordination skills as the DPP caucus whip.
During his tenure as Mayor of Tainan City from 2010 to 2017, Dr. Lai actively engaged in city diplomacy, forging strong partnerships with the Japanese government, National Diet, and private sector to facilitate exchanges and establish sister-city agreements. These efforts bolstered ties in various sectors including culture, tourism, sports, agriculture, and disaster relief.
Assuming the role of Taiwan’s premier from 2017 to 2019 amidst challenging circumstances, Dr. Lai led a results-driven Cabinet that prioritized five key policy objectives. These goals centered on advancing
Taiwanese culture, promoting the Green Silicon Island and smart digital nation initiatives, fostering a just society, and enhancing national well-being.
In February 2020, Dr. Lai made history by attending the 68th National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, DC, marking the highest-ranking official from Taiwan to participate since the severance of official diplomatic relations 41 years ago. This event marked a pivotal moment in Taiwan-US relations. Subsequently, in May of the same year, Dr. Lai was sworn in as the 15th-term Vice President. In January 2023, he assumed the additional role of chairperson of the ruling party DPP.
On January 13, 2024, Dr. Lai secured the presidency through election and is set to be inaugurated on May 20, 2024. His journey from Mayor to Vice President to President reflects his unwavering commitment to serving the people of Taiwan and advancing the nation’s interests on the global stage.
Also, born in Kobe, Japan, Vice President Hsiao was raised in Tainan, a city located in southern Taiwan. She holds a Master’s degree in political science from Columbia University in New York and a Bachelor’s degree in East Asian studies from Oberlin College in Ohio.
Assuming her role as Taiwan’s Representative to the United States in July 2020, Vice President Hsiao previously served as a senior advisor to President Dr. Ing-Wen TSAI at Taiwan’s National Security Council.
With a distinguished career in public service, Vice President Hsiao has served four terms in the Taiwan
Legislature (Parliament), representing overseas citizens in her first term and later the constituents of Taipei City and Hualien County in subsequent terms. She has held key positions such as ranking member of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee and chair of the USA Caucus in the Legislative Yuan.
Following Taiwan’s first democratic transition of government in 2000, Vice President Hsiao became an advisor in the Office of the President and served as the international spokesperson for all DPP presidential elections from 2000 to 2012.
She has also held leadership roles in international organizations, including Chair of the Council of Asian
Liberals and Democrats (CALD), which represents Asian democratic political parties.
From 2005 to 2012, Vice President Hsiao was elected Vice President of the Bureau of Liberal International (LI), a global political party organization based in London. Additionally, she is a founding board member of the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy.
