Press Release – For Immediate Release
13 January 2024
Contact: World Uyghur Congress www.uyghurcongress.org
+49 89 5432 1999 or [email protected]

The World Uyghur Congress (WUC) extends heartfelt congratulations to the ruling party’s William Lai Ching-te on their resounding victory in the recent presidential election in Taiwan.

Lai was in a three-way race with Hou Yu-ih from the conservative Kuomintang (KMT) and former Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je from the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP). 

‘’Today’s election result is a great win for democracy in Asia. The people of Taiwan decided on their political future and elected a leader that is not intimidated by China’’ said WUC President, Dolkun Isa. ‘’Uyghurs around the world celebrate this win.’’

The successful election of Vice-President William Lai Ching-te from the governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) reflects the confidence and trust bestowed upon them by the people of Taiwan. We applaud their dedication to democratic principles and their commitment to steering Taiwan toward a future of progress and prosperity.

As Lai assumes the role of President, we anticipate positive developments for Taiwan under his leadership. Despite China’s warnings to not vote for him and his party, the WUC is encouraged to see that the citizens of Taiwan chose to defend their territorial sovereignty and democracy. 

On December 27, 2022, the Taiwanese Parliament (Legislative Yuan), recognised that the Chinese government is committing crimes against humanity and genocide against the Uyghur people. This is reportedly the first time that the Legislative Yuan has passed a cross-party bill. Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan became the 11th parliamentary body worldwide to recognize crimes against humanity and (serious risk of) genocide, following similar resolutions by parliamentary bodies in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Czech Republic, Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Lithuania, Ireland, as well as the European Parliament.

Apart from recognizing the Chinese government’s involvement in crimes against humanity and genocide, the Legislative Yuan also requested the government’s executive branch to continue to pay attention to Uyghur human rights violations, expressed its solidarity with persecuted Uyghurs, and called for a prompt discussion on how to cooperate with other democratic countries to impose corresponding sanctions on the Chinese government.

The WUC looks forward to fostering and strengthening bilateral relations with the government of Taiwan under the leadership of President Lai Ching-te. We are confident that this new chapter in Taiwan’s history will further enhance cooperation and collaboration between our nations.

We extend our best wishes to the President for a successful tenure, and we are optimistic about the continued growth of our shared interests and values.