TAIPEI: The ruling Democratic Progressive Party has retained power in a historic third consecutive win in the elections held in Taiwan. Lai Ching Te, who is pro-US, will become president. Hou Yu-ih was the presidential candidate of Taiwan's main opposition Kuomintang Party.
Taiwan's election was held amid threats of reunification with China. Lai Ching Te said that the Taiwanese people have shown the world how much they value democracy. He said that we will continue to stand with the democratic countries of the world. Lai Ching Te mocked China and said that the people of Taiwan have successfully resisted attempts by outside forces to influence the election.
This time there was a triangle contest between the pro-American Democratic Progressive Party, the pro-China Kuomintang Party and the more balanced Taiwan People's Party. With Lai Ching Te coming to power, military preparations will be strengthened to prevent Chinese aggression. Taiwan will also receive US assistance for this. With this, the existing China-Taiwan conflict is likely to intensify.