Taiwan President Lai Ching-te and Vice President Hsiao Mei-chin officially took oath of office on Monday, May 20, despite the aggressive coercion from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Taiwan once again demonstrated the peaceful and free transfer of power, winning congratulations and recognition from the U.S. Congress.
In his inaugural speech, Lai Ching-te stated: “Taiwan’s strategic position in the ‘first island chain’ affects the geopolitical developments of the world… There is already a high consensus internationally that the peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait are indispensable elements for global security and prosperity.”
Lai Ching-te also emphasized that the future of cross-strait relations has a decisive impact on the global situation, and democracy and freedom are non-negotiable principles for Taiwan.
“We have the ideal of pursuing peace, but we cannot have illusions. As long as China (CCP) has not given up using force against Taiwan, the people should understand: even if fully accepting China’s (CCP) claims and surrendering sovereignty, China’s (CCP) attempt to annex Taiwan will not disappear,” said Lai Ching-te.
The mouthpiece of the CCP, Xinhua News Agency, once again vilified and slandered Lai Ching-te. At the same time, the CCP subjected Lai Ching-te’s inauguration ceremony and speech to strict scrutiny and censorship, preventing mainland Chinese people from knowing the content of Lai Ching-te’s speech.
Several U.S. congressional leaders issued statements congratulating Lai Ching-te on officially taking office, emphasizing the defense of Taiwan’s democratic values and pledging to stand together with Taiwan against CCP’s coercive actions in the Indo-Pacific region.
Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Democratic federal Senator Ben Cardin congratulated Lai Ching-te on starting his first presidential term.
Cardin said: “Taiwan has once again demonstrated a firm commitment to addressing the most pressing global issues. Taiwan shares a common vision with us for the Indo-Pacific region and the world, which includes respect for democracy, transparency, and the rule of law.”
He expressed the desire to continue strengthening the U.S.-Taiwan relationship through expanding economic, security, and people-to-people ties with the Lai Ching-te government.
Chief Republican Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Federal Senator Jim Risch, congratulated Lai Ching-te on his inauguration.
“I look forward to deepening the close partnership between the U.S. and Taiwan and working together to protect Taiwan’s vibrant and resilient democracy,” Risch said.
Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Republican federal Representative Michael McCaul of Texas, said: “It’s heartening to see Taiwan’s democracy standing firm amidst the CCP’s aggressive actions in the region. I look forward to cooperating with this government (under Lai Ching-te) to promote peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.”
The House Taiwan Caucus congratulated Lai Ching-te and Hsiao Mei-chin on Monday, reaffirming that the U.S. Congress is a steadfast partner of Taiwan.
“In the face of continued threats and harassment from the CCP, the people of Taiwan have achieved sustained prosperity for decades,” said Committee Chairman John Moolenaar and Chief Democratic Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi in a joint statement.
“Today’s inaugural ceremony serves as a hopeful reminder of Taiwan’s enduring commitment to democracy, as well as how people around the world cherish freedom much like we Americans do.”
Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Democratic federal Representative Nancy Pelosi, said in a statement: “Through the inauguration process, Taiwan has showcased the power and vitality of its democracy. All those who love freedom are inspired by the courage of the Taiwanese people. Through a peaceful transfer of power, Taiwan proudly reaffirms its commitment to freedom, openness, and democratic society.”
“As Beijing continues its aggressive actions against Taiwan, the bipartisan support of the U.S. Congress remains unwavering,” she wrote.
Florida federal Senator Rick Scott, a long-time supporter of Taiwan, said in a statement that it is widely known that Taiwan’s formidable enemy is Communist China, whose leader aims to invade Taiwan and attack democracy to seek world domination.
“Taiwan now needs U.S. support more than ever before. Today is a great day for Taiwan as it once again peacefully establishes a democratically elected government, making history. I congratulate President Lai Ching-te and look forward to working together as we continue to strengthen the U.S.-Taiwan relationship,” Scott wrote.
Republican federal Representative Chris Smith, who advocates for human rights issues in China, congratulated Lai Ching-te on assuming office, noting that Taiwan’s vibrant democracy stands in stark contrast to Xi Jinping and the CCP’s tyranny.
Smith emphasized that Taiwan should “strengthen its military capabilities and morale” and that “the United States and the American people will support on this journey.”
Vice Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Republican federal Senator Marco Rubio, posted on social media, saying, “The United States supports Taiwan,” and congratulated Lai Ching-te and his government on their official appointment.
“We continue to steadfastly support our strong democratic ally in the Indo-Pacific region,” Rubio said.
North Carolina Republican federal Senator Ted Budd commented on social media, stating: “Faced with Beijing’s increasing aggression in the Indo-Pacific region, we must continue to strengthen the partnership between Taiwan and the United States to maintain peace and stability.”