His Holiness the Dalai Lama has extended warm congratulations to Lai Ching-te, the newly elected President of Taiwan, following the recent presidential elections. His Holiness expressed his admiration for Taiwan’s robust democracy and its accomplishments in various fields.
In his message, His Holiness the Dalai Lama emphasized the importance of democracy, noting that Taiwan’s successful democratic process serves as an encouragement to those who aspire to live in freedom and dignity. He fondly recalled the hospitality he received during his visits to Taiwan, where he observed the deep roots of democracy and the preservation of rich traditional culture.
Furthermore, His Holiness admired the devotion of Taiwanese Buddhists to the Buddha dharma and reaffirmed his commitment to providing teachings and spiritual guidance. He also highlighted the significance of maintaining good relations between Taiwan and the People’s Republic of China, advocating dialogue as the best means to resolve issues at all levels.
According to Taiwan News, Lai Ching-te, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate, achieved a historic victory in the presidential polls. This marks the DPP’s third consecutive win after Tsai Ing-wen’s two terms as President since 2016. The Central Election Commission reported that Lai received over 5 million votes, securing more than 40% of the total vote share.
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Lai, who previously served as Tainan’s mayor, pledged to bolster national defense, the economy, and cooperation with democratic allies, while maintaining cross-strait status quo. He emphasized forming a government based on capabilities rather than party affiliation, focusing on inclusivity and unity to face domestic and international challenges.
The President-elect vowed to continue initiatives on value-based diplomacy, cross-strait stability, defense self-sufficiency, economic upgrading, energy transition, and investments in youth, housing justice, and educational equality. Lai aims to position Taiwan as a stable and indispensable force in the international community.
This election marks a significant moment for Taiwan, as it navigates its democratic journey and its complex relationship with China. The Dalai Lama’s message underscores the global significance of Taiwan’s democratic progress and the importance of dialogue in international relations.
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