No change in approach to Taiwan, despite Lai ‘s election win
Australia will retain its one-China policy after Taiwan’s pro-sovereignty Democratic Progressive Party won a historic third term in elections.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese congratulated president-elect William Lai on his victory, and said the government respected Taiwan’s democratic processes and outcomes.
“We’ll continue to work on what is an important relationship, consistent though with our long standing and bipartisan one-China policy that we have,” he told ABC’s RN on Monday.
Dr Lai has pledged to defend the island from “intimidation” by China, who has labelled the leader a “troublemaker” and threat to peace in the region.
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The result is expected to heighten tensions with Beijing, with Taiwanese voters warned by the Chinese military in the lead up to polling, it would take all “necessary measures to firmly crush” attempts at independence.
Asked how he will balance the relationship between Beijing and Taipei, Mr Albanese said the government wouldn’t move from its previously held position.
“It won’t change from before the election,” he said. “Dr Lai is from the same political party as his predecessor.
“We think that it’s a good thing when you see the peaceful exercise of people’s democratic rights.”
