Taiwan proves strength of democratic system with election

The United States has congratulated the winner of Taiwan's election, Lai Ching-te of the country's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

"The United States congratulates Dr. Lai Ching-te on his victory in Taiwan’s presidential election. We also congratulate the Taiwan people for once again demonstrating the strength of their robust democratic system and electoral process," the US State Department said in a statement on Saturday.

It said it looked forward to working with Lai and the leaders of all parties to advance "shared interests and values" and promote the long-standing unofficial relationship in line with the one-China policy.

In Taiwan's parliamentary and presidential elections on Saturday, 64-year-old Lai won around 40% of the vote. Lai's party is in favour of Taiwanese independence, which Beijing regards as separatist.

However, the DPP lost its absolute majority in parliament, which is likely to make future government more difficult.

When asked about Taiwan, US President Joe Biden said during a brief meeting with journalists in Washington on Saturday that he did not support Taiwan's independence.

In doing so, he reiterated his administration's position, which is in favour of dialogue between Taipei and Beijing and expects differences to be resolved peacefully and without coercion.

In his own words, Lai does not consider it necessary to officially declare Taiwan's independence.

Taiwan has had a separate government since 1949 and has developed into a vibrant modern democracy.