Lai Ching-te inaugurated as Taiwan's president in a transition likely to bolster island's US ties

Taiwan inaugurated Lai Ching-te as its new president, continuing its policy of de facto independence while bolstering defenses against China. Lai accepted congratulations from politicians and delegations from nations with diplomatic relations with Taiwan, including the US and Japan. He takes over from Tsai Ing-wen, who led Taiwan through economic and social development amid China's military threats.