Taiwan’s Next President Is Former Kidney Doctor Beijing Despises
- Lai Ching-te to manage delicate ties with Washington, Beijing
- After winning, Lai pledged to keep peace across Taiwan Strait
Lai Ching-te at the Democratic Progressive Party headquarters in Taipei on election night.
Photographer: An Rong Xu/BloombergThis article is for subscribers only.
Lai Ching-te has spent the past year convincing voters he can keep the peace, despite being despised by Beijing. His ability to deter conflict will be tested now his Democratic Progressive Party has won a record third straight presidential victory.
Lai has a daunting task ahead. The 64-year-old former kidney doctor, who entered politics after military tensions flared with Beijing in the mid-1990s, is responsible for balancing his island’s delicate relationships with Washington and Beijing.