Taiwan’s new president William Lai urges China to ‘stop’ making threats – but aims to maintain the status quo

The inauguration of Taiwan’s new president, Lai Ching-te, is more about handing over the baton than any dramatic change in policy for the island which is overshadowed by its large and powerful neighbour, China. It’s expected Lai Ching-te (also called by his English name, William Lai) will stay the course set by his predecessor, Tsai Ing-wen. But his first speech as the new president was closely watched in Asia for any clues about how Taiwan will handle its difficult relationship with China. In a careful and considered address, Mr Lai urged China to “stop threatening Taiwan” and called for “peace…