Taiwan Vice President Lai Ching-te’s two main rivals in the island country’s Saturday presidential election didn’t wait for the Central Election Committee to finalize the results before they called Lai to congratulate him on his win and then publicly concede, CNN reports on a historic third term for the ruling Democratic Progressive Party and a blow to the ChiComs who were rooting against him.
“I want to thank the Taiwanese people for writing a new chapter in our democracy. We have shown the world how much we cherish our democracy. This is our unwavering commitment,” Lai told reporters, confirming the concession calls. “We are telling the international community that between democracy and authoritarianism, we will stand on the side of democracy. The Republic of China, Taiwan will continue to walk side by side with democracies from around the world,” Lai added.