In a defiant gesture, the island democracy that is Taiwan has chosen Lai Ching-te as its new president — a triumph for the very concept of self-determination in the face of a belligerent China. Branded a “severe danger” to the Taiwanese people by Beijing, Lai stands as a symbol of Taiwan’s resolute commitment to continue charting its destiny.

Beijing’s claim to Taiwan, which is separated from it by a mere sliver of water, haunts Asia’s geopolitical landscape, with the only remaining communist regime of any consequence clinging to an archaic and oppressive notion of reunification.

China’s increased military pressure on Taiwan in recent years, including provocative actions and simulated invasions, heightens the urgency of a united front in defense of Taiwan. Beijing’s threat to “firmly crush Taiwan’s independence attempts” is not only a direct challenge to the Taiwanese people but also a violation of the principles of regional and global peace.

Yet, the Taiwanese people have spoken with 40.1 percent rejecting China’s threat against electing a leader who promised to “safeguard Taiwan from continuing threats and intimidation.” To Lai belongs not a simple election victory but a mandate from people who have chosen to write their distinct narrative.

As the world watched with bated breath, the ballot box resonated as a referendum on the very principles that underpin the new world order — that powerful nations like China cannot be allowed to bully smaller ones like Taiwan (and the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea) into submission. On the question of whether democracy can be snuffed out by the sheer weight of brute force, the resounding answer from Taipei is “No!”

In America, Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s swift congratulations reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to “maintaining cross-Strait peace and stability.” This is not just about ensuring the flow of critical products like microchips from Taiwan’s tech-giant factories; it’s about upholding the bedrock principle of a world where big and small nations can choose their leaders and forge their paths.

Separated from China decades ago, Taiwan has nurtured a distinct national identity, a reality at odds with Beijing’s claim of territorial unity. The tension isn’t just political; it is woven into the fabric of the global economy. Taiwan’s dominance in semiconductor production, the lifeblood of modern technology, makes it a prize worth waging a war for insofar as China is concerned.

But the shadow of war isn’t the only lurking danger. The election saw both social media and disinformation campaigns unleashed anew, their manipulative designs threatening the very future of Taiwan’s young democracy. Once more, we were given a glimpse of a future whereby cyberspace becomes a battleground for manipulating public opinion and undermining democratic processes.

In all this, nations must resolve the question of Taiwan’s legal status with finality. Is it an independent nation, a breakaway province, or something in between? This ambiguity fuels the fire, making a peaceful resolution seem like a distant mirage. Can dialogue bridge the chasm between two systems so ideologically divergent? Can pragmatism triumph over historical grievances?

The path forward won’t be easy for Taiwan, but perhaps, through open communication, economic interdependence, and a resolute commitment to democratic values, the world can find a way for Taiwan’s light to shine, not just as a beacon of self-determination, but as a testament to the power of peace.