Taiwan’s new President Lai in his inauguration speech urges China to stop its military intimidation

TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — Taiwan's new President Lai Ching-te in his inauguration speech has urged China to stop its military intimidation against the self-governed island Beijing claims as its own territory. Lai was sworn into office in a ceremony Monday after he won an election earlier this year. He is a relative moderate who will continue Taiwan's policy of de facto independence while seeking to bolster its defenses against China. He takes over from Tsai Ing-wen, who led Taiwan through eight years of economic and social development despite the COVID-19 pandemic and China's escalating military threats. Thousands of people gathered…