William Lai Ching-te urges peace as he becomes Taiwan's new president

William Lai Ching-te has been sworn in as president of Taiwan in a ceremony that included a 21-gun salute, as he later praised the self-governing island's democracy and urged China to stop its "intimidation".

Lai, alongside Vice President Hsia Bi-khim, swore their oaths under Sun Yat-sen's portrait, symbolising Taiwan's sovereignty. Highlighting May 20's significance, Lai asserted Taiwan's independence. He adamantly defended democracy, urging Beijing to end aggression for regional peace. Despite Beijing's claims and military posturing, Lai aims for stability. Beijing had called him a dangerous separatist for refusing to accept Chinese sovereignty.