Taiwan elects first female president

[rooster59]

Taiwan elects first female president

Taiwan has elected opposition leader Tsai Ing-wen as its first female president.

The overwhelming victory for the leader of the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party looks set to usher in a new round of uncertainty with the self-ruled island’s giant neighbour China, which still claims Taiwan as its territory to be taken by force if necessary.

She beat New Taipei City Mayor Eric Chu, who has stepped down as chairman of the formerly ruling Kuomintang (KMT) Party which had helped build warmer ties with Beijing.

The KMT has also lost parliamentary elections, prompting the resignation of Taiwanese Premier Mao Chi-kuo.

A government that will defend Taiwan’s sovereignty has been elected by the people, Tsai said in her victory speech, adding that she would strive to maintain stability in relations with China.

The election comes at a tricky time for Taiwan’s economy, which slipped into recession in the third quarter last year. China is also Taiwan’s top trading partner and Taiwan’s favourite investment destination.

-- (c) Copyright Euronews 2016-01-17

[Srikcir]

Let's see now if Tsai Ing-wen pushes for independent state recognition for membership in the UN.

That would not only dilute China's claims for dominance of the South China Sea resources but also create a regional political and military adversary.

China is not going to react to her election with typical diplomatic aplomb, especially while China is under sever domestic economic pressures.

[elgordo38]

I watched on Channel News Asia just as the banner went by declaring her elected followed by President Xi handing out a stern warning. Gee looks like his man had lost. I guess the Taiwanese had the feeling that democracy was slipping away. Then he stated China's 2015 GDP was 7% ha ha ha. Can hardly wait for the markets to open in the morning and see if investors will continue to drink his adulterated Kool-Aid.

[GinBoy2]

This has been a good day for a 'real' Asian democracy.

You will see Beijing huff and puff their displeasure, but thats the difference between the despotic state and a democracy...the people actually have a voice, and the Taiwanese having stared the Dragon in the face courtesy of the KMT in recent years have chosen the path of freedom.

I'm sure that the recent events in Hong Kong have not gone unoticed by the Taiwanese electorate, and thats not the future they want.

Taiwan is a great example of how an Asian state can emerge from dictatorship and achieve a real vibrant democracy, with I might add a credible and strong civilian controlled military, which has in turn created one of the wealthiest and successful nations in Asia.

Many a Thai politician/general might learn a thing or two!