Taiwan Elects China Skeptic Lai for Unprecedented 3rd Term, Risking Flare-up with Beijing
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William Lai, a China skeptic supporting Taiwanese independence, won the Taiwanese presidential election, risking inflamed tensions with Beijing.
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The election win represents an unprecedented third successive term for Lai's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), seen as anathema by Beijing.
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In his victory speech, Lai struck a cautious tone, calling for "exchanges and cooperation" and dialogue with China while protecting Taiwan's interests.
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Beijing dismissed the election as an "internal affair", reiterating Taiwan is part of China, signaling potential ratcheting up of pressure.
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The U.S. congratulated Lai but does not support independence, preferring no unilateral changes to the status quo by Taipei or Beijing.