Taiwan's President Lai takes office, urges Beijing to pursue 'peace'

Taipei [Taiwan], May 21: Lai Ching-te of Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) was sworn in as the self-governing island's president on Monday and used his inaugural address to urge Beijing to cease its political and military intimidation.
Lai stressed that his administration will maintain the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. "Peace is the only option," Lai told the crowd attending his inauguration ceremony, which featured a 21-gun salute, in front of the presidential building in the capital Taipei.
He called on China to share with Taiwan the responsibility of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait as well as the greater region, and "ensure the world is free from the fear of war." "The future of cross-strait relations will have a decisive impact on the world," Lai said.
Lai said China must face the reality of the existence of Taiwan and "in good faith, choose dialogue over confrontation, exchange over containment, and under the principles of parity and dignity, engage in cooperation with the legal government chosen by Taiwan's people." "This can start from the resumption of tourism on a reciprocal basis, and enrolment of degree students in Taiwanese institutions," Lai said.
Lai stressed that Taiwan will continue working with other democracies. "We will work together to combat disinformation, strengthen democratic resilience, address challenges, and allow Taiwan to become the MVP of the democratic world," said Lai, who is a baseball fan, using the sports term "Most Valuable Player." Emphasizing that Taiwan has already mastered advanced semiconductor manufacturing, Lai said Taiwan will further boost the development in AI-related fields. "We are a key player in supply chains for global democracies," Lai said. Military transport helicopters flew Taiwan's flag past the presidential building during the ceremonies.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said in Beijing on Monday that Taiwan independence is a dead end. "No matter under what guise or banner, the pursuit of Taiwan independence and secession is doomed to fail," he said.
Source: Qatar Tribune