TAIPEI [Taiwan], Taiwan's newly appointed President Lai Ching-te has issued a stern warning to China, calling on Beijing to stop intimidating the island nation, which China continues to claim as its own. In his inaugural speech, Lai called on Beijing "to stop their political and military intimidation against Taiwan, share with Taiwan global responsibility for maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait as well as in the greater region, and ensure That the world be free from the fear of war.'' Lai's comments came after he took over as Taiwan's new president on Monday, leading the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to a historic third consecutive term, CNN reported. Lai, 64, is a diplomatic veteran of politics, comes from the DPP's Radica wing and was once a vocal supporter of Taiwan independence, which Beijin considers unacceptable. China has never forgotten his comments from six years ago. , when he referred to himself as a "pragmatic activist for Taiwan independence," although his opinions have now softened, according to CNN.Former doctor and Vice President Lai was inaugurated alongside newly appointed Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim, who recently took over as Taiwan's principal ambassador to the United States, as Beijing publicly called on both leaders and their Despise the party. Despite never ruling the island, China's ruling Communist Party claims it is part of its territory and has threatened to take over the island using force if necessary. In his 30-minute inaugural speech, Lai stressed his resolve to maintain Taiwan's sovereignty while promoting peace. According to CNN, declaring that "a glorious era of Taiwan's democracy has arrived". He also described the island as an "important link" in the global chain of democracies.Lai replaced his DPP predecessor, Tsai Ing-wen, who strengthened the island's position and stature abroad during her eight years in government. In particular, term barriers prevented Tsai, Taiwan's first female president, from running for re-election in the January election, in which La defeated opponents from the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party and the Taiwan People's Party. The competition revolved around several daily related issues. According to CNN, it's a tough issue of how to handle life as well as China, a vast one-party state that has become more aggressive and powerful under leader Xi Jinping, in a not-so-subtle move that mirrors the outgoing Tsai. Lai has now said he supports the status quo, saying "Taiwan is already an independent sovereign country" and has "no plan or need" to declare independence, according to a statement from China's Foreign Ministry. "Taiwan independence is a dead end," the spokesperson said in response. "No matter what pretext or banner one uses, a secession will fail to promote Taiwan independence," Lai said in a question regarding the inauguration during a regular briefing on Monday."