Lai Ching-te took the oath of office as Taiwan's leader amid escalating tensions between the island and Beijing.
Lai Ching-te, 64 years old, a member of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in power in Taiwan, was sworn in on May 20, succeeding Tsai Ing-wen, who had led the island for the past 8 years.
The inauguration ceremony took place at the leadership office in Taipei City. Lai's new deputy, Hsiao Bi-khim, also a DPP member, was sworn in at the same event.
Lai delivered his inaugural speech to thousands gathered outside the office today, outlining his policies on key island issues, including managing increasingly tense relations with mainland China.
According to a senior Taiwanese official, Lai will express goodwill towards mainland China in his speech and call on both sides of the Taiwan Strait to pursue peace.
Former U.S. officials appointed by President Joe Biden, lawmakers from Germany, Japan, Canada, and leaders from 12 countries that maintain relations with Taiwan, such as former President Donald Trump and Paraguay President Santiago Pena, attended Lai's inauguration.
China's Taiwan Affairs Office said last week that Lai, the island's new leader, must make a clear choice "between peaceful development or confrontation."
Beijing has not yet commented on Lai's inauguration.
Lai Ching-te previously served as deputy to Tsai Ing-wen. He was formerly the head of the island's executive agency and worked at the Legislative Yuan. When he declared victory in January, Lai reaffirmed his determination to protect the island "from external threats."
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 also repeatedly stated that they do not rule out the use of force to reclaim the island, although the general policy remains dialogue and peaceful unification.
