2024-01-15
President-Elect Lai's Full Opening Remarks at Election Night International Press Conference
Good evening, friends from the domestic and international press. Thank you for being so patient.
The Republic of China’s 16th Presidential and Vice-Presidential elections, as well as 11th Legislative elections have concluded today.
I want to thank the Taiwanese people for writing a new chapter in our democracy. We have shown the world how much we cherish our democracy. This is our unwavering commitment.
I want to thank the other two candidates for demonstrating the spirit of democracy. I also want to congratulate the parties they represent for increasing their number of seats in the Legislature. I look forward to working together in unity for the future of our country.
As one of the first and most highly anticipated elections of 2024, Taiwan has achieved a victory for the community of democracies.
We see today’s results as having three main points of significance:
First, we are telling the international community that between democracy and authoritarianism, we will stand on the side of democracy. The Republic of China (Taiwan) will continue to walk side-by-side with democracies from around the world.
Second, through our actions, the Taiwanese people have successfully resisted efforts from external forces to influence this election. We trust that only the people of Taiwan have the right to choose their own president.
Third, in between three groups of candidates, we received the most support, meaning that the country will continue to walk on the right path forward. We will not turn around or look backwards.
I want to thank President Tsai and the entire governing team for their unfaltering efforts over the past eight years. They have established a solid foundation for Taiwan’s reform and development.
On this foundation, Hsiao Bi-khim and myself, we will work even harder to move the country steadily forward and enhance the wellbeing of the people.
On the legislative elections, the DPP did not hold on to a majority. This means that we did not work hard enough, and there are areas where we must humbly review and look back on.
The elections have told us that the people expect an effective government, as well as strong checks and balances. We fully understand and respect these opinions from the public.
As for the new structure of the Legislature, Taiwan must build a political environment of communication, consultation, participation, and cooperation. As a result, I hereby declare:
First, I will carefully study the policies and positions of my two electoral opponents. As long as they bring benefit to the people and further our national development, they will be incorporated into my policy framework.
Second, in terms of personnel appointments, I will act in accordance with the spirit of a democratic alliance by bringing in talent from different political parties. We will welcome recommendations from a variety of professional fields to work together for our national development.
Third, in terms of future governance, we will prioritize issues that have consensus between political parties. On issues that have not yet reached consensus and are not urgent, we will work to set aside differences while maintaining clear lines of communication.
Fourth, for major issues that must be resolved with urgency, such as the financial sustainability of labor insurance or our energy transition, we will use national conferences or other forms of policy platforms to expand the basis for discussion, invite public participation, bridge political divides, and build consensus in society.
As President, I have an important responsibility to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. I will act in accordance with the Republic of China constitutional order, in a manner that is balanced and maintains the cross-strait status quo. Under the principles of dignity and parity, we will use exchanges to replace obstructionism, dialogue to replace confrontation, and confidently pursue exchanges and cooperation with China. This furthers the wellbeing of people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait and achieves our objective of peace and common prosperity. At the same time, we are also determined to safeguard Taiwan from continuing threats and intimidation from China.
Finally, I want to again thank the people of Taiwan. We are honored that you choose Lai Ching-te and Hsiao Bi-khim and we will strive to uphold this responsibility. The elections have concluded today. All the conflicts and passions that were expressed during the campaign should also come to an end. The 23 million people of Taiwan are all one big family. Let us continue to work together with unity, in order to move this country forward. Thank you.
