Editing Foreign relations of Taiwan (section)

===Elections===
The first direct presidential election was held [[1996 Republic of China presidential election|in 1996]], and the incumbent President [[Lee Teng-hui]] was elected.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ben Blanchard |last2=Yimou Lee |title=Taiwan's 'Mr Democracy' Lee Teng-hui championed island, defied China |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-taiwan-lee-obituary/taiwans-mr-democracy-lee-teng-hui-championed-island-defied-china-idUKKCN24V29C |access-date=14 October 2022 |work=[[Reuters]] |date=30 July 2020 |language=en |quote=Lee's greatest act of defiance was becoming Taiwan's first democratically elected president in March 1996}}</ref> As of 4 May 2015, ROC nationals are eligible for preferential visa treatment from 142 countries and areas.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mofa.gov.tw/en/News_Content.aspx?n=1EADDCFD4C6EC567&s=5E78429C5CBD5E3A|title=ROC nationals now eligible for preferential visa treatment from 142 countries and areas – News and Events|publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China (Taiwan)|access-date=14 September 2015|archive-date=4 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404101450/https://www.mofa.gov.tw/en/News_Content.aspx?n=1EADDCFD4C6EC567&s=5E78429C5CBD5E3A|url-status=live}}</ref> In the context of superpower and influential diplomacy, the ROC's traditional and stable allies include United States of America, Canada, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2011/09/06/2003512568 |title=UN told to drop 'Taiwan is part of China': cable |newspaper=[[Taipei Times]] |date=15 December 2016 |access-date=22 December 2016 |archive-date=22 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150322023458/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2011/09/06/2003512568 |url-status=live }}</ref> The ROC's [[cultural diplomacy]] includes the establishment of the Taiwan Resource Center for Chinese Studies in 2012 in major universities around the world.

In the [[2024 Taiwanese presidential election]], Vice President [[Lai Ching-te]], also known as William Lai, was elected as the new President of Taiwan, winning with 40.05% of the popular vote in Taiwan's most recent election that took place on January 13, 2024. Set to be sworn in on May 20, 2024, this election effectively underscores Taiwan's ongoing commitment to democratic governance amid escalating geopolitical tensions, particularly concerning its large neighbor, China. The election of President Lai, backed by his party, the Democratic Progressive Party, reflects a strong commitment to maintaining Taiwan's sovereignty and actively engaging in international diplomacy and regional security.

This electoral outcome was characterized by a notably high voter turnout, demonstrating deep public engagement in the face of both external threats and internal debates about Taiwan's strategic future. Central to the election debates were issues such as the enhancement of economic independence, military upgrades, and the strengthening of international alliances. Lai's victory not only validates his policy platform but also signals Taiwan's determination to maintain an independent course of action amidst ongoing regional tensions.

Under President Lai's administration, Taiwan is poised to enhance its international standing and forge stronger diplomatic relationships. Since taking office, Lai has pursued an expansion of Taiwan's strategic global partnerships, particularly with nations involved in the Indo-Pacific strategy, to counter China's regional influence. His efforts include advocating for new trade agreements and enhancing Taiwan's participation in international forums{{snd}}areas where Taiwan has often faced marginalization due to diplomatic pressures from China.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://english.president.gov.tw/Page/543#:~:text=Lai%20served%20as%20Taiwan's%20premier,%2C%20and%20national%20well%2Dbeing. |title=President Lai's Administration Goals |access-date=1 May 2024 |archive-date=1 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220101120823/https://english.president.gov.tw/Page/543#:~:text=Lai%20served%20as%20Taiwan's%20premier,%2C%20and%20national%20well%2Dbeing |url-status=live }}</ref>

The results of the 2024 election and the ensuing policies under President Lai's leadership are expected to significantly impact Taiwan's international relations and its role on the world stage. As Taiwan continues to assert its sovereignty and democratic values, the international community's response will be pivotal in shaping the political and economic future of the region.