US Cheers for Taiwan: Congratulatory Messages and Praise on elections
China called Lai a danger to peace, but on Saturday, after voters ignored government warnings and voted for him, he promised to protect Taiwan from “intimidation” from China.
US Cheers for Taiwan: On Saturday, the US congratulated Lai Ching-te on becoming president-elect of Taiwan. However, Washington made it clear that it does not back Taiwan’s freedom as a self-ruled island that Beijing claims as its own.
US Cheers for Taiwan: Congratulatory Messages and Praise on elections
When reporters asked US President Joe Biden what Washington’s stance was on Taiwan, he said, “We do not support independence.” Lai, who wants Taiwan to become independent, has marketed himself as a protector of the island’s democratic way of life.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken praised Lai’s win in Saturday’s important vote and the island’s “robust democratic system and electoral process” in a statement.
Blinken said that Washington is “committed to maintaining cross-Strait peace and stability, and the peaceful resolution of differences, free from coercion and pressure.”
China called Lai a danger to peace, but on Saturday, after voters ignored government warnings and voted for him, he promised to protect Taiwan from “intimidation” from China.
A 110-mile (180-kilometer) sea separates democracy Taiwan from the mainland. China claims Taiwan as its own and has not ruled out using force to bring about “unification,” even if a fight doesn’t look like it will happen soon.