China, which claims self-ruled Taiwan as part of its own territory, has ramped up military, diplomatic and economic pressure on Taiwan since Tsai’s 2016 election as she views the island as a sovereign nation.
Lai lauded Tsai’s two terms as president, saying that the world has recognised Taiwan’s democratic credentials under her leadership.
“In the future, I will continue to strengthen democratic Taiwan in the same democratic path, so the world can see Taiwan’s value, and embrace Taiwan,” he said.
The Harvard-educated doctor-turned-politician has previously described himself as a “pragmatic Taiwan independence worker”.
In January, he explained that this means he considers the island to already be a “sovereign country and there is no need for Taiwan to declare independence again”.
Beijing has said that any Taiwanese move towards a declaration of formal independence would prompt a military response.
“In the face of China’s attacks with rhetoric and threats with its military, we will not change our peaceful stance,” Lai said, suggesting that he would work towards peace-building with Beijing.
“We will also not give up any chance for peace,” he added, saying that both sides need to work together to improve the lives of people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.
Lai also sent a message to voters, saying that next year’s polls will be “a choice between democracy or authoritarianism”.