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Thursday, March 28, 2024

Taiwan swears in President Tsai for second term

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Taiwan swears in President Tsai for second term
Taiwan swears in President Tsai for second term

President Tsai Ing-wen was sworn in for her second and final term on Wednesday in a ceremony at Taiwan's presidential palace in Taipei.

Gloria Tso reports.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-Wen was sworn in for her second and final term on Wednesday (May 20) and made her message loud and clear; that Taiwan strongly rejects China's claims of sovereignty over the island.

"Both sides have a duty to find a way to coexist over the long term and prevent the intensification of antagonism and differences.

I also expect the leader of the other side (China) to take up equal responsibility to stabilise the long-term development of cross-strait relations together." In her speech at Taipei's presidential palace, Tsai said Taiwan could not accept becoming part of China under its "one country, two systems" offer, which is supposed to guarantee autonomy.

But Tsai called for talks with China so that both sides could coexist.

Tsai led Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party to a landslide victory in January vowing to stand up to China.

Recently, Taiwan has also accused China of keeping it out of the World Health Organization.

During her speech, Tsai said Taiwan would continue seeking active participation in international bodies.

"Over the next four years, we will continue to fight for our participation in international organisations, strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation with our allies, and bolster ties with the United States, Japan, Europe, and other like-minded countries." U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo congratulated Tsai on Tuesday (May 19) praising her quote "courage and vision in leading Taiwan's vibrant democracy." Meanwhile, China's Taiwan Affairs Office said on Wednesday that China would not tolerate any talks about Taiwan's independence.

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