Tsai In-Wen, who supports island independence, defeated her pro-Chinese rival and spoke in her victory speech to Chinese ears: "Beijing must respect voters' choice"

Taiwanese President Tsai In-won won a second term yesterday after winning the autonomous island election yesterday. Tsai, who was elected by a majority of 57 percent of voters, thanked her supporters for "implementing democratic values."

Tsai's victory, the representative of the Progressive Democratic Party (DPP), is not obvious in light of the fact that she was in arrears for many months, and after the Quintang Party (KTM) achieved significant achievements in the local elections in 2018, leading to her resignation from the DPP.

Yesterday, however, Tsai gained the support of about 8 million voters, setting a new record. Central rival Han Ku-Yu, the KTM representative, has garnered support of 5.4 million voters. Tsai's popularity stems, in part, from the support of younger generations who fear Chinese involvement in their lives.

At the center of the election campaign was the Chinese issue. For Beijing, Taiwan is a rogue island that needs to regain its sovereignty. Recently, shortly before the election, a law was passed against Chinese intervention in island affairs. Tsai, who supports island independence, said in her victory speech that she wanted to have talks with China, but that Beijing must respect voters' choice.

"The results of these elections have further significance, because they have proven that when our sovereignty and democracy is threatened, the Taiwanese people are shouting back our determination with greater intensity," Tsai said during a press conference. The president also called on China to stop threatening the use of force, and that the countries of the world should regard Taiwan as "a partner and not an issue."

Due to differences of opinion with China regarding its status, Taiwan has full diplomatic relations with only 14 countries, but most countries, including Israel, have diplomatic representation in the capital of Taipei. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo yesterday congratulated Tsai on winning and tweeted: "Taiwan is once again showing the strength of its own democratic system. Thank you President for your leadership, in developing a strong partnership with the US."

One year ago, the US approved a $ 2.2 billion arms deal with Taiwan. This deal angered the Chinese, who often threaten to take military action against the island.