First female president Tsai Ing-wen makes victory speech

By Stephanie Chao, The China Post January 17, 2016, 1:08 am TWN

http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/national/presidential-election/2016/01/17/456313/First-female.htm
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TAIPEI, Taiwan -- Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Tsai Ing-wen won the R.O.C. presidential election by a landslide, becoming the first-ever female president in Taiwan history on Saturday.
"I promised before that I will do whatever it takes to turn your tears into smiles," Tsai said, speaking to supporters, referring to her defeat in the 2012 election.

In a voice hoarse due to a recent cold and non-stop campaigning, Tsai spoke to over 30,000 supporters gathered outside of her and running mate Chen Chien-jen's campaign headquarters in Taipei City.

Supporters waved flags and chanted "dong xuan," meaning "electoral victory" in Hokkien, as exuberant hosts took to the stage for hours and national election results were broadcast on a large screen prior to Tsai's appearance and the announcement of her victory.

Tsai said a long struggle is ahead for the DPP to implement policies and reform the government, despite leading her party to a historic win over the Kuomintang (KMT).

She promised to maintain the status quo and international relations to cheering and crying supporters. "This is what I've promised. And I keep my promises."
Both sides of the Taiwan Strait have the responsibility to make the greatest efforts to find an equal, dignified solution that both parties can accept, Tsai said in her victory speech made to over 200 domestic and international media outlets.
"No provocation will be allowed, nor unexpectedness," Tsai said. "The election results today are a democratic expression of the Taiwanese. Our democracy, our national identity and our international space must all be recognized."
Any sort of oppression would undermine the stability of cross-strait relations, the president-elect said.

Creating History: Tsai
"Today, Taiwanese have used their votes to make history, triggering the third political transition since the start of direct presidential elections, as well as the first transition in the legislative majority," Tsai said at the international press conference.

"Thank you for helping the DPP stand up again. And thank you for trusting us to lead the country again," Tsai said, thanking supporters of her, Chen and the DPP.
The new president-elect also mentioned Taiwan-born entertainer Chou Tzu-yu, a member of Korean entertainment group Twice who had to announce her support of the "one China" principle after waving an R.O.C. flag on a TV program.
"This issue will always remind me that uniting and strengthening this country" as one entity vis-a-vis outer forces, "will be my most vital responsibility as the next Republic of China president," Tsai said, to which supporters outside cheered wildly.

Communication Is Key
Addressing concerns over the East China Sea, Tsai reiterated that the Diaoyutai islands belong to Taiwan.
But despite the sovereignty conflicts, she stated that she still looked forward to strengthening ties with Japan.
"We will not allow this controversy to affect the development of our bilateral ties," Tsai said.

On the long-debated U.S. pork issue, Tsai said she would prioritize good and effective communications to maintain international relations, "especially with the United States."


 A full overhaul of Taiwan's current laws must be undertaken to address Taiwan's preparation for a bid for the Trans-Pacific Partnership and necessary reforms will be carried out, said Tsai.