President-elect Lai vows to defend Taiwan; says people resisted 'external forces' in election

Taiwan President-elect Lai Ching-te, of Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) and his running mate Hsiao Bi-khim wave as they hold a press conference, following the victory in the presidential elections, in Taipei, Taiwan, on Saturday, January 13, 2024. - Reuters

TAIPEI (AFP): Taiwan's victorious presidential candidate Lai Ching-te vowed Saturday to defend the self-ruled island from Chinese "intimidation".

"We are determined to safeguard Taiwan from continuing threats and intimidation from China," he said in his victory speech, while also pledging to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

He added that the self-ruled island had managed to see off attempts to influence its election, in a swipe at China.

"The Taiwanese people have successfully resisted efforts from external forces to influence this election," Lai said in his victory speech.

He added that the self-ruled island "will stand on the side of democracy", speaking after he won a crucial election held under the shadow of China's threat of war.

"I want to thank the Taiwanese people for writing a new chapter in our democracy," he said in a victory speech where he thanked his two opponents for conceding.

"We are telling the international community that between democracy and authoritarianism, we will stand on the side of democracy." - AFP