TAIPEI, Taiwan — Governments and officials worldwide have responded to the Taiwanese election on Saturday which saw the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) candidate Lai Ching-te clinch victory.
Japan’s Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa, in a statement released Saturday, highlighted Japan’s significant, albeit unofficial, partnership with Taiwan. In contrast, China’s embassy in Japan on Sunday expressed strong opposition to Kamikawa’s congratulatory remarks.
The Taiwan Affairs Office of China, through a statement on its official website, asserted that the DPP’s victory will not alter the fundamental dynamics of cross-strait relations, reiterating its stance against “foreign interference.”
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken congratulated Lai and praised Taiwan’s democratic process. Blinken’s statement underscored the U.S. commitment to continue its “longstanding unofficial relationship” with Taiwan.
The U.K. issued a statement congratulating Taiwan and advocating for a peaceful resolution between Taiwan and China, recognizing the election as a reflection of Taiwan’s robust democracy.
This election comes amid escalating tensions between Beijing and Washington. Since the 2020 election, China has significantly increased its military presence in the Taiwan Strait, including conducting two major war games near Taiwan.
