In May, Lai Ching-te, also known as William Lai, was inaugurated as president of Taiwan, succeeding two-term President Tsai Ing-wen, who was the first woman to hold this top government position. Democracy is reconfirmed.

Beijing is expressing severe hostility. China’s military now surrounds Taiwan.

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has won three presidential elections in a row. The party is formally committed to independence from China.

However, Lai’s vote margin was reduced and the DPP also lost their legislative majority. The conservative Kuomintang (KMT) gained the most seats. This could be a diplomatic plus given their more pragmatic approach to Beijing.

China is not happy about continued DPP control of the executive office, but greater KMT presence in the legislature provides opportunities for cultivation. China's media have been relatively restrained about this election result compared to past extreme rhetoric.

Both sides will likely continue to avoid armed conflict. The first DPP government,........

© The Korea Times