Taiwan's president-elect vows to defend island from China threats

Lai -- branded by Beijing as a threat to peace in the flashpoint region -- secured an unprecedented third consecutive term for the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in Saturday's poll after a raucous campaign in which he pitched himself as a defender of Taiwan's democratic way of life.

China claims democratic Taiwan, separated from the mainland by a 180-kilometer (110-mile) strait, as its own and refuses to rule out using force to bring about "unification", even if conflict does not appear imminent.

Beijing, which before the poll called Lai a "severe danger" and urged voters to shun him, said Saturday the result would not stop "the inevitable trend of China's reunification".

In his victory speech, Lai said he would maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, but pledged to defend the island from Chinese belligerence.

"We are determined to safeguard Taiwan from continuing threats and intimidation from China," he told supporters.

With votes from all polling stations counted, the Central Election Commission said Lai won 40.1 percent of votes, ahead of Hou Yu-ih of the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) on 33.5 percent.

The election was watched closely by both Beijing and Washington, Taiwan's main military partner, as the two superpowers tussle for influence in the strategically vital region.

Lai thanked the Taiwanese people for "writing a new chapter in our democracy" by defying one-party-state China's threats and warnings.

"We are telling the international community that between democracy and authoritarianism, we will stand on the side of democracy," he said, adding that he will also try to pursue exchanges with China.