William Lai won the elections in Taiwan with about 40% of the vote , defeating Hou Yu-ih, who was second with about 33%, and Ko Wen-je, who came in third.

Vice-president of the island, Lai runs for the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and is the most disliked candidate in Beijing. Independentist, rejects China's claims to Taipei .

«As one of the first and most anticipated elections in 2024, Taiwan has achieved a victory for the community of democracies. We have shown the world how much we care about democracy and will maintain the peace, we have successfully resisted external pressure and attempts to influence the vote. We are determined to protect Taiwan from China's continued threats and intimidation ", these were Lai's first words after the victory.

Hou Yu-ih, Kuomintang candidate close to Beijing's positions and against Taiwan's independence, admitted defeat and congratulated his rival , apologizing for having "disappointed the voters". Hou, during the election campaign, promised to restart talks with Xi Jinping to ease tensions with China in the event of victory.

A lot was at stake in these elections, especially relations with China, which claims the formally independent island as an "inalienable part of its territory to be reunified by 2049" . And Beijing, which had labeled Lai a "troublemaker and instigator of war" for his pro-independence positions, undoubtedly lost.

This is why there is great anticipation for China's reaction to the results. Lai's triumph is undoubtedly a victory for Washington, which defends Taiwan's independence and has long protected it with weapons and military ships. The island has enormous strategic importance for two reasons: it is the main production center of some of the most advanced semiconductors in the world, furthermore the Taiwan Strait is a crucial hub for China's trade with the rest of the world . In short, Lai's election risks further inflaming tensions between Washington and Beijing .

(Unioneonline/L)

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