ABC News:
TAIPEI, Taiwan — The new head of Taiwan‘s ruling party who described himself as pro-independence vowed to uphold the self-ruled island’s democracy in face of China‘s authoritarianism and continue with policies that have defined relations with China and the U.S.
Lai Ching-te, who currently serves as Taiwan’s vice president, on Wednesday assumed the new role of the Democratic Progress Party chair.
He won the internal party vote on Sunday and took over for the interim chair, after President Tsai Ing-wen resigned as party chair when the DPP suffered a big loss in the mayoral races across Taiwan in November. Lai is also expected to be the party’s candidate in the 2024 presidential elections.
“Facing China’s threat in the future, our new mission is to guard Taiwan, promoting Taiwan’s democracy, peace and prosperity,” said Lai, a long-time politician who once served as mayor of the southern city of Tainan. “Peace is something everyone hopes for.”
Observers will be watching out for how Lai handles China and U.S. relations if he does become the presidential candidate.
