TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Lai Ching-te (賴清德) has become Taiwan’s new president after being sworn in at the Presidential Office in Taipei on Monday (May 20), ushering in a historic third term in power for the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
Lai became the fifth democratically-elected president during a 9 a.m. ceremony followed by the confirmation of Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) as vice president. Joined by Hsiao and outgoing president Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文), Lai briefly greeted crowds before delivering his inaugural speech at 11 a.m.
Beginning with a greeting in Taiwanese and Mandarin, Lai’s inaugural speech emphasized the importance of Taiwan’s democracy and sovereignty. The new president said his government will continue to build on the work carried out by Tsai over the past eight years.
He said he would uphold the “four commitments,” a concept first presented by Tsai in 2021. The commitments have been described by Tsai as a commitment to a free democratic constitutional system, ensuring that Taiwan and China are not subordinate to one another, resisting challenges to the nation’s sovereignty, and guaranteeing that Taiwan’s future is decided by its people.
“I also want to call on China to cease their political and military intimidation against Taiwan, share with Taiwan the global responsibility of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait as well as the greater region, and ensure the world is free from the fear of war,” he said.

“On this day in 1996, Taiwan’s first democratically-elected president took the oath of office, conveying to the international community that the Republic of China is a sovereign, independent nation in which sovereignty lies in the hands of the people,” Lai said to wide applause. He said he hopes both sides of the Taiwan Strait will prioritize peace and common prosperity.
Lai said all Taiwanese hope for peace in the Taiwan Strait, and no one in the nation wants war. Lai said he hopes China can recognize that Taiwan exists, and respect the choices made by the people of Taiwan.
Taiwan will become a global MVP (most valuable player) of democracy, Lai said. He said the country’s international approach will involve relationships with like-minded countries that will work to counter global challenges.
“We have continued to enhance human rights and show the world our values of democracy and freedom. Taiwan was the first country in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage," Lai said to more applause.
Taiwan’s position as a global leader in semiconductors is part of what has launched Taiwan onto the world stage. Lai said the country must build on this and transform Taiwan from a “silicone island” to an “AI island.”
“We must also adapt industry for AI and use AI’s computational power to make our nation, our military, our workforce, and our economy stronger.”
Taiwan’s new government will also work to address the nation’s high pedestrian fatality rate, and other transport issues, Lai said. It will ensure Taiwan’s national health insurance system is maintained and can pursue other policies for a “healthier Taiwan,” he said.

Lai encouraged unity in the legislature, which will be held by a majority of opposition legislators during his presidency. He said that minority parties should respect the majority and vice versa — an apparent reference to physical altercations that broke out amid the attempted passing of a bill in the legislature on Friday.
Recovery work following the April earthquake in Hualien is still underway, Lai said as he thanked the international community for their support.
The inauguration was attended by representatives from 11 of Taiwan’s formal diplomatic allies and more than 650 foreign guests. Delegations from the U.S., Canada, Singapore, the European Parliament, the U.K., Japan, Australia, South Korea, and others traveled to Taipei for the event.
Lai's swearing-in was followed by performances representing different groups within Taiwan, kicked off by the defense ministry's Tri-Service Marching Band. A Hakka dance troupe accompanied by a giant steaming rainbow horse was featured, followed by Taiwanese and Hakka rap - a first for a Taiwan presidential inauguration.
President Lai and Vice President Hsiao are on their way to Tainan for a state banquet. Lai served as both a legislator and mayor of Tainan during his political career.

Lai won the election in January with 40.99% of the vote. He campaigned with the backing of outgoing president Tsai, who held the office for two terms — the maximum allowed for a president.
His campaign was bolstered by the inclusion of Hsiao, a political figure with standing at home and abroad. Having previously served as Taiwan’s representative to the U.S., Hsiao also served several terms in the legislature.
Kuomintang (KMT) Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜) performed the ceremonial roles required of his position during the swearing-in ceremony. Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安), Taoyuan Mayor Chang San-cheng (張善政), other members of the KMT, and Taiwan People's Party Chair Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) also attended the ceremony.

Lai’s inauguration was also attended by elders from his hometown of Wanli in New Taipei — a place the president credits with, at least partly, being responsible for his success as a politician. Ninety-two-year-old Chang Tsai-o (張蔡額) of Wanli told CNA that she supported him continuously since he first campaigned for election to the legislature: “I had to go and see him (at the inauguration),” Chang said.
On the eve of the inauguration, Lai and Vice President Hsiao could already be seen sharing some of the best of Taiwan with diplomatic allies. On Sunday the nation’s new leader indulged in a spot of shrimp fishing, next to Eswatini’s King Mswati III and Paraguay President Santiago Pena.
The DPP's third term in the presidential office is a first for Taiwan, breaking the so-called “eight-year curse (8年魔咒)” of previous administrations. Lai is also the first Taiwanese president to have served as vice president and is the first trained physician to hold the office.
“There is no such thing as a “curse” in any election. It is simply that the people put the ruling party under the toughest of tests, choosing the nation’s future in the most genuine way,” Lai said.