Mixed Messages

Taiwan election: Joe Biden says US does not support independence | South China Morning Post

Taiwan election: Biden says US does not support independence

The US congratulated Taiwan’s president-elect William Lai Ching-te, but also sought to reassure Beijing with a commitment to ‘cross-Strait peace and stability’.

14 Jan 2024 - 4:43AM

US President Joe Biden maintained on Saturday that Washington does not support independence for Taiwan, the self-ruled island claimed by Beijing. Photo: Reuters

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South China Morning Post

10 hours ago

Taiwan election: William Lai's presidential victory risks further tensions with Beijing | South China Morning Post

Taiwan election: Lai’s victory risks further tensions with Beijing

William Lai Ching-te and running mate Hsiao Bi-khim (right) celebrate their victory at an election night rally outside the Democratic Progressive Party headquarters in Taipei. Photo: Elson Li

All eyes will be on Beijing’s reaction to the victory of someone it sees as a hardcore separatist and the issue threatens to further cloud relations with the US.

Lai was 6½ points ahead of his nearest rival, but his independence-leaning party’s loss of its legislative majority will complicate his approach to Beijing

14 Jan 2024 - 2:06AM

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