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Lai Ching-te

Taiwanese politician and vice president-elect

Lai Ching-te, also known as William Lai, is a Taiwanese politician and former physician. He is set to become the president of Taiwan in 2024, after winning the presidential election. Lai has a background in public health and has served as the mayor of Tainan. He is known for his stance on Taiwanese independence and maintaining relations with the United States.

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Tsai Ing-wen Li Qiang Chiang Kai-shek Chung Ju-yung Ma Ying-jeou Lee Hsien Loong Hu Jintao Ma Huateng Lee Kuan Yew Park Chung Hee

Timeline

Birth of Lai Ching-te

Lai Ching-te, also known as William Lai, was born on 6 October 1958 in Wanli, Taipei County (now New Taipei City), to a working-class coal mining family.

Death of Lai Ching-te's Father

Lai Ching-te's father died on 8 January 1960 of carbon monoxide poisoning while laboring in the coal mines of Wanli.

Lai's Marriage to Wu Mei-ju

Lai married Wu Mei-ju in 1986. Wu worked for Taipower, and was based in Tainan until Lai was elected mayor of the city, and she transferred to Kaohsiung. The couple raised two sons.

Election to Legislative Yuan

Lai Ching-te won a seat representing Tainan City in the 1996 Legislative Yuan election. He was re-elected four consecutive times and served as a legislator for a total of 11 years.

Obtaining Master's Degree from Harvard University

Lai Ching-te obtained a Master's degree from Harvard University in 2003, specializing in rehabilitation and public health.

Election as Mayor of Tainan

Lai Ching-te won the election for Mayor of Tainan in 2010 and served for seven years, winning reelection in 2014.

Lai Ching-te appointed as Premier of Taiwan

In September 2017, Lai Ching-te was announced as the next head of the Executive Yuan by President Tsai Ing-wen. This appointment followed Premier Lin Chuan's resignation, and Lai took office on 8 September as the 49th Premier of Taiwan.

Lai Ching-te's statement on Taiwan independence

On 26 September, Lai Ching-te made his first appearance as premier at the Legislative Yuan and expressed his views on Taiwan independence, stating that Taiwan is already an independent sovereign nation called the Republic of China and does not need a separate declaration of independence.

Intention to Resign from Premiership

On 24 November 2018, Lai Ching-te announced his intention to resign from the premiership after the Democratic Progressive Party suffered a major defeat in local elections. He left office on 14 January 2019.

Lai Ching-te registers for DPP presidential primary

On 18 March 2019, Lai Ching-te registered to run in the Democratic Progressive Party presidential primary, marking the first serious primary challenge against a sitting president in Taiwanese history.

Lai's Visit to Tokyo After the Assassination of Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe

After the assassination of former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe, Lai made a private trip to Tokyo to pay his respects and became Taiwan's most senior official to visit Japan in five decades.

Lai's Leadership in Fostering Collaborations between Taiwan and Palau

In November 2022, Lai led representatives of Taiwan's travel agencies and industry associations to Palau to foster collaborations between the two countries.

Lai's Formal Registration of 2024 Presidential Campaign

On 21 November 2023, Lai formally registered his campaign at the Central Election Commission along with his running mate, Hsiao Bi-khim.

Lai's Election as President of Taiwan

On 13 January 2024, Lai was elected president of Taiwan with more than 40% of the vote, and will be inaugurated on 20 May 2024.

Inauguration of Lai Ching-te as President of Taiwan

Lai Ching-te, also known as William Lai, is set to be inaugurated as the president of Taiwan on 20 May 2024. He will be the third incumbent vice president of Taiwan to become president, and the first to assume the office through election instead of a predecessor's death.

End of the Timeline
Lai Ching-te

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