EditorialTaiwan has a new leader but Beijing’s red line still the same
- The new DPP administration under William Lai – and even the United States – must realise that it is in everyone’s interest to adhere to the one-China principle
The result of Taiwan’s election was expected, but it still set precedents. It gives the independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) an unprecedented third term in the presidential office; it is the first time in 16 years that no party has commanded an absolute majority in the legislature; and the first time a third party has held the balance of power.
The Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) has become a critical minority. This will shape boundaries within which president-elect William Lai Ching-te will govern. He will rely on the TPP to help pass legislation.
By the same token, the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) will also need TPP support to block government legislation. This would mainly involve domestic issues, but would also deter the DPP from proposing further anti-Beijing policies.
A high voter turnout flags concern with the island’s future. The fragmentation of Taiwanese politics has become more apparent, with Lai taking 40 per cent of the vote against about 33 per cent for the KMT’s Hou Yu-ih and more than 25 per cent for the TPP’s Koh Wen-je.
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Vice-President William Lai wins Taiwan presidential election as his party loses legislature majority
Lai won despite Beijing’s warning about the DPP’s independence stance. But the loss of a majority in the legislative yuan will be challenging.
It is a reminder that ideology still influences many Taiwanese, concerned with safeguarding their identity amid an anti-mainland narrative.