Taiwan’s Tsai, Growing up, Says Never Thought of Becoming President

Before polls closed, China reiterated it would not interfere with Taiwan’s elections.

If someone obstinately sticks to the secessionist stance or acts as a troublemaker for regional stability, Taiwan’s stability and development would be sheer empty talk and disappointed Taiwan voters would throw out such a scourge during the next election.

White House spokesman Myles Caggins said the United States congratulated the people of Taiwan for demonstrating the strength of their “robust” democratic system.

“I hope Ms Tsai and the DPP can lead Taiwan to a better future”, Mr Chu told supporters, as he resigned as the chairman of the KMT, which has championed closer ties with China. “Only when we grow stronger will we be able to gain respect and protect our people and our democratic way of life”, Tsai said, referring to Taiwan by its official name, the Republic of China.

Although the margin remained unclear, local media reported that Tsai’s DPP also won control of the island’s 113-member Legislative Yuan, which the KMT had held a controlling 65 seats.

The election took place amid concerns that the island’s economy is under threat from China and amid broad opposition to Beijing’s drive for political unification.

Tsai said her victory was a further show of how ingrained democracy has become on Taiwan and showed that its people wish for a government “steadfast in protecting this nation’s sovereignty”.

Chou Tzu-yu, who is based in South Korea, released a video late Friday apologising for waving the flag and insisting she adhered to the “one China” principle. Recently, the KMT switched their presidential candidate Hung for the current one Chu, primarily because Hung was immensely unpopular due to her pro-China view, which closely resembles those of President Ma. The London School of Economics postgraduate had considered a return to academia before deciding to launch a second attempt at Taiwan’s highest office.

Tsai has previously said she is ready to change the way the Taiwan deals with mainland China. “Any boost to the turnout likely helps Tsai and the DPP, particularly since this has gone viral among young people”, said Clayton Dube of the University of Southern California’s US-China Institute. The new president will take over from Ma, who will step down on May 20 after serving two four-year terms. Chen, it writes, “is keen for improved relations and prepared to make concessions on trade and investment that were rejected by [his predecessor]”.

The new legislature will be seated next month, and Tsai will be inaugurated later. “Mainland China has threatened war if Taiwan declares independence, and Tsai has promised not to provoke the Mainland”.

Earlier Chu, 54, had conceded defeat telling his supporters: “We have failed the expectations of all voters”.

The U.S. State Department said it looked forward to working with Tsai.

One small group held up a banner saying: “Taiwan is not part of China“.

Support for the DPP and its 59-year-old leader has increased dramatically since 2014, which saw hundreds of student-led demonstrators occupy parliament for more than three weeks, in protest against trade pacts negotiated with China.

In Taiwan itself there remains a split between those seeking independence, and others calling for reunification with China.