Former Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen expressed her gratitude towards the Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama for his congratulatory message. This follows the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) victory in the recent Taiwanese presidential elections.
Grateful for the congratulations & the inspiring message from the @DalaiLama recognizing the importance of our exercise of democracy in #Taiwan to freedom & dignity worldwide. pic.twitter.com/urjkwO7sUg
— 蔡英文 Tsai Ing-wen (@iingwen) January 16, 2024
Dalai Lama’s Message of Encouragement
His Holiness the Dalai Lama extended his congratulations to Lai Ching-te, who won a third consecutive term for the DPP in the Taiwanese presidential elections. Tsai Ing-wen, responding to this gesture, highlighted the significance of the Dalai Lama‘s message. “Grateful for the congratulations & the inspiring message from the @DalaiLama recognizing the importance of our exercise of democracy in Taiwan to freedom & dignity worldwide,” Tsai posted on social media, acknowledging the broader implications of Taiwan’s democratic practices.
Reflection on Democracy and Freedom
In his message, His Holiness the Dalai Lama praised the exercise of democracy in Taiwan, citing it as an encouragement for those who aspire to live in freedom and dignity. He recalled his visits to Taiwan, expressing admiration for the country’s robust democracy, economic and educational achievements, and preservation of traditional culture.
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He also noted the strong devotion of Taiwanese Buddhists to Buddhism, adding that as a Buddhist monk, he fulfills their requests for teachings and spiritual guidance.
Focus on Taiwan-China Relations
His Holiness the Dalai Lama emphasized the importance of good relations between Taiwan and the People’s Republic of China. He advocated for dialogue as the best approach to resolving issues, whether locally, nationally, or internationally. This message comes in the backdrop of ongoing tensions between Taiwan and China, with the former consistently facing threats and intimidation.
Taiwan’s Presidential Election Outcome
In the recent elections, Lai Ching-te emerged victorious with over 5 million votes, securing more than 40 percent of the total vote share, according to the Central Election Commission report. The Taiwan People’s Party candidate Ko Wen-je also performed better than expected, while Kuomintang candidate Hou Yu-ih finished second.
President-elect Lai Ching-te’s Priorities
Following his victory, Lai Ching-te outlined his priorities, focusing on protecting Taiwan from threats posed by China. He emphasized maintaining a balanced approach while safeguarding Taiwan‘s democracy and freedom. “This is a night that belongs to Taiwan. We managed to keep Taiwan on the map of the world,” Lai said, highlighting the election’s significance in demonstrating Taiwan’s commitment to democracy.
The support and recognition from international figures like the Dalai Lama play a crucial role in reinforcing Taiwan‘s democratic values and its stance on the global stage. The recent election and its aftermath continue to draw significant attention, showcasing the island’s determination to uphold its democratic principles amid regional challenges.
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