On Monday, May 20, 2024, Taiwan inaugurated its new president, Lai Ching-te, in Taipei. The ceremony saw attendance from eight leaders of Taiwan’s diplomatic allies, including the presidents of Palau and Tuvalu, and delegations from several countries.
Premier of Taiwan, Chen Chien-jen called for unity earlier in the month and invited opposition leaders to participate in the inauguration, presenting the event as a celebration of Taiwan’s democracy. His call aimed to unite different political factions and honor the democratic process.
President Lai’s victory extends the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) rule to a third consecutive term. In his inaugural address, Lai likely reaffirmed Taiwan’s commitment to democracy and expressed intentions to maintain peaceful relations with China while upholding Taiwan’s sovereignty.
The inauguration not only marked a political transition but also symbolized Taiwan’s resilience and strategic importance in regional geopolitics. President Lai now faces the challenge of preserving Taiwan’s democratic values while managing complex relations with China.
As I was sworn in alongside Vice President @bikhim, I felt eager to undertake our new responsibilities & start working toward our goals. My commitment to steering #Taiwan toward a future defined by prosperity, peace, & even stronger democracy remains unwavering. pic.twitter.com/xPeiE7ve5v
— 賴清德Lai Ching-te (@ChingteLai) May 20, 2024
