Lai Ching-te of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) was elected as the new president of Taiwan, succeeding Tsai Ing-wen. Beijing referred to Lai as a dangerous separatist and a troublemaker. Lai pledged to continue Tsais cross-strait policies, including Taiwans right to self-determination. Reacting to the election results, Beijings Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Chen Binhua said the vote "will not impede the inevitable trend of Chinas reunification".