"Peace is the only option," Lai told the crowd attending his inauguration ceremony in Taiwan.

Lai also called on China to share with Taiwan the global responsibility of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait as well as across the great region, and "ensure that the world is free from the fear of war."

"The future of cross-Strait relations will have a decisive impact on the world," Lai said.

Lai urged China to face the reality of Taiwan's existence and "with solemn conviction, choose dialogue rather than confrontation, exchange rather than containment, and live by the people of Taiwan under the principles of equality and dignity." "Engage in cooperation with the elected Lega government."

"This could start from restarting tourism based on enrollment of degree students in Taiwanese institutions on a reciprocal basis," Lai said.




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