Lai Ching-te sworn in as Taiwan President today... emphasizes "status quo across the Taiwan Strait"

'Pro-American and pro-independence' candidate Lai Ching-te, the President-elect of Taiwan, will begin his four-year term through an inauguration ceremony on the 20th. In his inaugural address, a message is expected to be delivered that emphasizes maintaining the status quo between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait (China and Taiwan) to avoid escalating conflicts with China.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

According to local media such as Liberty Times, President-elect Lai will attend the inauguration ceremony held at the Presidential Office in Taipei along with Vice President-elect Xiao Meiqin on the morning of the day. At this event, he plans to express his intention to continue former President Tsai Ing-wen's eight-year administration policy with four keywords: 'moderation, responsibility, confidence, and unity.' A representative of Taiwan's next government explained in a briefing, "He will pledge to maintain the status quo between the two sides."

Regarding China's military pressure, he is also expected to emphasize the intention to respond in coordination with the international community. The official stated, "Both sides will pursue peace and common prosperity together," and added, "Taiwan will also highlight its role in promoting regional peace and stability and standing with the democratic camp."

Earlier, Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that representatives from 51 countries and over 500 overseas guests will attend the inauguration ceremony. The U.S. delegation, led by Brian Deese, former Chair of the U.S. National Economic Council (NEC), and Richard Armitage, former Deputy Secretary of State, arrived in Taiwan on the 18th. They plan to hold separate meetings with President-elect Lai to discuss key issues in addition to attending the inauguration.

In Japan, more than 30 current ruling and opposition lawmakers, including a bipartisan parliamentary league that values friendship with Taiwan, will attend. According to the Nihon Keizai Shimbun, this is the largest scale ever. The Korean government will be represented by Lee Eun-ho, the head of the Taipei Representative Office.