Will Taiwan’s new, hardline premier mean choppier waters for cross-strait relations?
Appointment of pro-independence lawmaker William Lai Chin-te is likely to have ruffled feathers in Beijing
The appointment of William Lai Chin-te as Taiwan’s new premier has raised concerns over the future of cross-strait relations, given his tough, pro-independence stance and strong man image.
Analysts said that although President Tsai Ing-wen has the final say on all policies regarding the mainland, Lai, who could challenge her for the top job in 2020, might not let her have all her own way on cross-strait relations.
In a meeting in Hong Kong on Tuesday, Zhang Zhijun, director of the Taiwan Affairs Office under the mainland’s State Council, warned that Beijing would not tolerate any pro-independence moves by any individuals or groups on the island. He also called on governments on both sides of the Taiwan Strait to head off all obstacles and “continue in the right direction” towards the peaceful development of relations.
Tsai announced in Taipei on Tuesday that Lai, 57, a former legislator and incumbent mayor of Tainan – a pro-independence stronghold in southern Taiwan – would replace Lin Chuan, a former finance minister with no political party affiliation, as the new head of Taiwan’s cabinet.
“With his academic and professional experience …. I believe he will be a capable premier,” Tsai said, adding that she would leave Lai to decide what sort of cabinet he was going to form. His predecessor had focused on the economy and reform.