Global Leaders React To Taiwan's Historic Presidential Election As U.S. Maintains Stance On Independence

However, President Biden has issued a stern warning, stating that the United States will not support Taiwan's independence.

President Biden, addressing the press, stated unequivocally, "We do not support independence." His comments were in response to the victory of DPP candidate William Lai, also known by his Chinese name, Ching-te, over the rival Koumintang (KMT) party in Saturday's election.

January 14, 2024

Lai's triumph over KMT candidate Hou Yu-ih, the mayor of New Taipei City, came after a fiercely contested election. While Beijing refrained from expressing a clear preference for any candidate, Chinese officials labeled Lai as "dangerous."

 MUST WATCH: GIANT EMPEROR TRUMP FIGURE AT ITALIAN FESTIVAL

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken took to social media platform X to congratulate Lai and the people of Taiwan. He praised them for participating in free and fair elections and demonstrating the robustness of their democratic system.

Several House members, including Indo-Pacific Subcommittee Chairwoman Young Kim, R-Calif., and Ranking Member Ami Bera, R-Calif., Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Mike McCaul, R-Texas, and Ranking Member Gregory Meeks, R-N.Y., extended their congratulations to Lai. They lauded Taiwan for achieving "another milestone."

 UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON SET TO ESTABLISH "GAZA CAMP" AFTER BEING DENIED FOR LACK OF LEADERSHIP

In a joint statement, the House members condemned Beijing's attempts to influence the elections through disinformation and military pressure. They commended the people of Taiwan for upholding democratic ideals and expressed their eagerness to work with President-elect Lai and Vice President-elect Hsiao to strengthen the U.S.-Taiwan economic, cultural, and defense relationship.

 MUST WATCH: AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTER MOPS THE FLOOR WITH CLIMATE ACTIVISTS

British Foreign Minister David Cameron extended his "warm congratulations" to Lai. He urged China and Taiwan to continue their efforts to "resolve differences peacefully through constructive dialogue," as reported by The Independent. Cameron praised Taiwan's vibrant democracy, evidenced by the recent elections.

 YOU WON'T BELIEVE HOW MUCH RESIDENTS IN THESE STATES PAY IN LIFETIME TAXES

Japan also congratulated Taiwan for the "smooth implementation" of its presidential election and Lai for his victory. The country pledged to "work toward further deepening cooperation and exchanges between Japan and Taiwan, based on its position to maintain working relationship on the non-governmental basis." The statement expressed hope for a peaceful resolution to the issue surrounding Taiwan through dialogue, contributing to regional peace and stability.

 THE ISRAELI RAFAH INVASION PLAN HAS THE WHITE HOUSE IN A TIZZY

However, the Beijing Taiwan Affairs Office issued a harsh statement, claiming that the DPP "cannot represent the mainstream public opinion on the island" and "will not impede the inevitable trend of China’s reunification."

The European Union, while not directly congratulating Lai on his victory, underscored the importance of "peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait" for regional and global security and prosperity. The EU welcomed the elections held in Taiwan and congratulated all the voters who participated in this democratic exercise, as per a statement released on Saturday.