TAIPEI, Taiwan — New Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te promised to provide stability for Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific during his inaugural address, despite China‘s desire to unify the island with the mainland.
“Democracy and freedom are Taiwan’s unwavering commitment,” Lai said, through a translator, during his inaugural address on Monday. “Peace is the only option. And prosperity gained through lasting peace and stability is our objective.”
Lai called on China to stop its political and military intimidation against Taiwan, to maintain peace in the Taiwan Strait, and “ensure that the world is free from the fear of war.”
“We must not harbor any delusions, so long as China refuses to renounce the use of force against Taiwan, all of us in Taiwan ought to understand that even if we accept the entirety of China’s position and give up ou …