TECH - Lai Ching-Te Inaugurated As Next President Of Chip Powerhouse Taiwan | Benzinga
Lai Ching-te has been sworn in as the new president of Taiwan, the global semiconductor powerhouse, succeeding Tsai Ing-wen and pledging to continue the island’s policy of de facto independence while strengthening its defenses against China.
What Happened: Lai, 64, was inaugurated on Monday, May 20, in Taipei. Thousands of people gathered for the ceremony, where Lai, also known as William, accepted congratulations from politicians and delegations from 12 nations with official diplomatic relations with Taiwan, as well as representatives from the U.S., Japan, and various European states, reported AP News.
Lai, who served as vice president during Tsai’s second term, has promised to continue his predecessor’s efforts to maintain stability while bolstering Taiwan’s security through the acquisition of advanced fighters and other technology from the U.S.
He also plans to expand the defense industry with the production of submarines and aircraft, and strengthen regional partnerships with Taiwan’s unofficial allies.
During his career, Lai has evolved from a self-described “pragmatic worker for Taiwan's independence” to a proponent of maintaining ...