Ruling party candidate declares victory in Taiwan's leadership election

Lai Ching-teh, the candidate of Taiwan's ruling party, declared victory in the island's presidential election.

"I would like to thank Taiwanese voters for writing our new chapter together," Lai said at the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)'s celebration party on the night of January 13.

With 98% of the votes counted by Taiwan's election authorities, Lai won about 40.2% of the vote, while his main rival Hou You-yi of the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) won 33.4% of the vote.

Lai, 64, declared victory shortly after Hou conceded defeat and apologized to KMT supporters for failing to defeat his opponent. "I congratulate Lai Thanh Duc on his election," Hou said.

Lai Thanh Duc (center) declares victory in front of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) headquarters in Taipei on January 13. Photo: AFP

Lai is the deputy of Tsai Ing-wen, Taiwan's current leader, whose second term ends on May 20. Lai previously headed the island's executive branch and served in the Legislative Yuan.

China has always considered Taiwan an inseparable part of its territory and is ready to use all means to unify the island.

Chinese leaders have repeatedly affirmed that they do not rule out the use of force to reclaim the island, although the general policy remains dialogue and peaceful unification. Chinese officials have criticized Lai Thanh Duc as a politician with a dangerous "separatist" mentality.

In his victory statement, Mr. Lai reaffirmed his determination to protect the island "from external threats."

Thanh Danh (According to AFP )

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