Mr Lai, 64, takes over from Tsai Ing-wen, the island's first female president who held the office for eight years and fostered closer relations with the US and other Western countries. Mr Lai was Ms Tsai’s vice-president for four years but is considered a more hardline leader than his predecessor.
China has called him a “dangerous separatist” and a “troublemaker through and through”. Despite the island having its own democratically-elected government, Beijing considers Taiwan a part of China and Xi Jinping has vowed to see it “reunified” with the mainland by force, if necessary.
“When I was young I was determined to practice medicine and save lives. When I went into politics I was determined to transform Taiwan,” Mr Lai said in his first speech as president after his inauguration yesterday. “Now, standing here, I am determined to strengthen Taiwan.”
この記事は The Independent の May 21, 2024 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、8,500 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は The Independent の May 21, 2024 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、8,500 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
Are we witnessing the death of distinctive British TV?
'Mr Bates vs the Post Office' was a critical smash for ITV but lost the broadcaster money. Katie Rosseinsky explains why, in an age of overseas sales, 'global appeal' is the new reality
The Independent Pride List 2024: LGBT+ people who are making change happen
Our list celebrates community's trailblazers and ambassadors
Djokovic beats Musetti in early morning five-set epic
Novak Djokovic endured a ridiculous late-night ordeal against Lorenzo Musetti to reach the fourth round of the French Open. The world number one and defending champion's match was shoved back into the early hours due to the incessant rain which has seen this tournament dubbed the \"Drench Open\".
Race against time to halt rabies spread from Ukraine
A disease that has been largely eradicated from Europe is raising its head in a war-torn country where millions of abandoned pets are running wild. Ahead of a film exposing the public health crisis, Joe Shute talks to those affected
Mandela's ANC loses grip on power in South Africa
Historic election result means party must enter coalition
Modi set for landslide Indian election victory
BJP-led alliance is projected to win more than 350 seats
Netanyahu casts doubt on latest Gaza ceasefire plan
Israeli prime minister vows to continue war until 'Hamas is destroyed' as Joe Biden urges right-wing leader to accept deal
Ticketmaster cyberattack puts data of millions at risk
Ticketmaster has been the subject of a cyberattack, with hackers allegedly offering to sell data about hundreds of millions of customers on the dark web.
Father with brain injury denied disability benefits
A man who needs full-time care after a bicycle collision left him with a traumatic brain injury has been repeatedly refused benefits by the Home Office.
Ambassador to Mexico fired after pointing gun at worker
The UK's ambassador to Mexico has been sacked after he was caught on camera aiming an assault rifle at an embassy employee on an official trip through drug cartel heartlands.