TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan has swiftly returned to its everyday pace, with residents lining up at a well-known Taipei breakfast shop on Sunday (Jan. 14) morning. The view contrasts with the excitement of the crowds following President-elect Lai Ching-te and Hsiao Bi-khim's victory for the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) a few hours ago.
Reacting promptly, the Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) of China challenged Lai's victory, claiming the election results don't represent the broader public opinion in Taiwan.
The TAO's statement highlighted President-elect Lai Ching-te's receiving of less than half the total vote share, and his party losing its parliamentary majority.
They also maintain their firm stance on the "1992 Consensus" and opposition to any Taiwanese independence initiatives.
During the campaign, Lai Ching-te denounced Chinese interference in Taiwan's elections, arguing that the "1992 Consensus" equals the "One Country, Two Systems" framework.
Meanwhile, the U.S. and Japan congratulated the DPP on its victory. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken extended his congratulations to Lai, while President Joe Biden maintained a more cautious tone, emphasizing non-support for Taiwanese independence.
House Speaker Mike Johnson warmly congratulated Lai, announcing a U.S. House delegation's visit for the May 20 inauguration.
Japan's Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa echoed similar sentiments.
The international community's attention is now keenly centered on President-elect Lai Ching-te's strategies for navigating cross-strait relations, bolstering U.S. ties, and rejuvenating the economy. However, clarity on how he intends to achieve his goals will likely emerge only after his inauguration.
