who is William Lai, supporter of autonomy from China, who came first in the presidential election?

The candidate of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is ahead of his main opponent, a supporter of a rapprochement with Beijing, who conceded defeat on Saturday.

It is described by China as a “serious danger” because of his positions in favor of Taiwan’s autonomy. The candidate for the presidential election of the territory William Lai came first in the poll on Saturday January 13, according to almost final official results. Beijing called him and his running mate Hsiao Bi-khim, Taipei’s former representative in Washington, “dangerous pro-independence duo”. “We are determined to protect Taiwan from China’s continued threats and intimidation”he declared on the evening of his election.

As of early evening, outgoing Vice President William Lai (also known as Lai Ching-te), of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), was credited with 40.3% of the vote, according to these official results covering more than of 96% of the polling stations, while his main opponent, Hou Yu-ih, candidate of the Kuomintang (KMT) who advocates rapprochement with Beijing, obtained 33.4% of the votes. The latter conceded defeat on Saturday evening.

Prime minister from 2017 to 2019, then vice-president

Aged 64, William Lai, head of the DPP, in power since 2016, was the favorite in the polls for the presidential election. This professional doctor notably graduated from Harvard (United States). He entered the Taiwanese National Assembly in 1996, when Beijing carried out missile test-fires around Taiwan at the time of the first democratic presidential election. “I decided it was my duty to participate in Taiwan’s democracy and help protect this fledgling experiment from those who wished it harm.”he testified last year in the Wall Street Journal.

Then, this father of two children held numerous mandates, as mayor of the city of Tainan, historic stronghold of supporters of autonomy in the southwest of the island, from 2010 to 2017. On this date, he became the function of Prime Minister, before becoming the right arm of the president elected in 2016 and re-elected in 2020, Tsai Ing-wen.

His party advocates autonomy and cooperation with the United States, in particular. Unlike his adversaries, William Lai, for example, refused “false peace” proposed by Beijing, in order to ignore this neighbor as long as it appears threatening. “If we lose our sovereignty, even if we have exchanges and collaboration, I don’t think it will be real peace”declared last summer this politician born in the north of the island into a poor family. “We are ready to open the door to trade and cooperation with China on the condition of ensuring our sovereignty.”

“No need for a declaration of independence”

During this campaign, William Lai demonstrated his desire to follow in the footsteps of Tsai Ing-wen. Last year, he defended the status quo in the very strategic Taiwan Strait. “My support for the status quo between the two sides of the Strait will be unwavering”he declared. “I will respect the [engagements] of the president” Tsai Ing-wen who “allowed the world to clearly see Taiwan for what it is: a source of stability amid growing global uncertainties”he added, affirming that the tensions in the region were not “due to Taiwan, but to China”.

President, will William Lai go even further in a process of independence from China? As explained Releasethe politician softened the pro-independence positions he had taken in the past. “We are already a sovereign nation called the Republic of China. We do not need a declaration of independence”he recently declared, reports the media.

What about a “subtle” tactic against Beijing?

“On the question of independence, Tsai Ing-wen had a much more subtle tactic politically, without claiming, even in the long term, independence, but rather by asserting herself as independent today”, notes Marc Julienne, head of China activities at the French Institute of International Relations (Ifri). Amanda Hsiao, from the International Crisis Group think tank, wonders about this slider between dialogue with Beijing and affirmation of autonomy.

“The question is how well William Lai can maintain the cautious and moderate path set by Tsai Ing-wen.”

Amanda Hsiao, from the International Crisis Group think tank

to AFP

For Sarah Liu, researcher at the University of Edinburgh, Lai Ching-te will continue the search for a “less economic dependence on China”. “By strengthening its international position, Taiwan will gain more allies to consolidate its democracy”she believes.