Taiwan's Lai Ching-te Inaugurated, Warns China

Taiwan's new President Lai Ching-te was inaugurated, hailing the arrival of a "glorious era" for the island's democracy while issuing a stern warning to China to cease its military intimidation and political pressure. In a momentous speech, Lai directly addressed the threat of war from Beijing, vowing his government will "neither yield nor provoke" in defending Taiwan's sovereignty.

A staunch proponent of Taiwan's self-rule, Lai has been branded a "dangerous separatist" by China for past comments on independence, though he has moderated his rhetoric in recent years. He urged Beijing to "share the global responsibility of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait" and ensure the region is "free from the fear of war."

Lai is expected to boost defense spending and strengthen ties with Washington to deter China, which views Taiwan as part of its territory to be retaken by force if necessary. His task will be complicated after his Democratic Progressive Party lost its legislative majority in January elections.

As Lai took office, China imposed sanctions on three US defense firms over arms sales to Taiwan. However, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken congratulated Lai, vowing to deepen ties and maintain "peace and stability" in the strait.

The historic inauguration ceremony featured performances celebrating Taiwan's vibrant democracy, attended by representatives from 51 countries including the US and Japan in a rebuke to China's efforts to diplomatically isolate the island.

While offering an olive branch for resuming high-level talks cut off since 2016, Lai faces an uphill battle as Beijing issued fresh warnings that "Taiwan independence and peace are like water and fire." Chinese military activity around Taiwan has remained elevated in recent days, underscoring the perilous situation.