Lai Ching-Te of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), on Saturday, emerged as the winner of Taiwan’s presidential elections after polling 40 per cent votes against his strongest challenger’s 33 per cent, the nation’s Central Election Commission has said.

Mr Lai’s win sends a clear message to China, whose officials had desperately urged voters not to cast their ballots for him, describing the polls as a decision to be made between peace and war.

Hou Yu-ih of the Kuomintang (KMT) and Ko Wen-je of the Taiwan People’s Party, who contested the presidential polls, have already conceded defeat to Mr Lai.

“I want to thank the Taiwanese people for writing a new chapter in our democracy,” Mr Lai said on Saturday, not long after his opponents conceded defeat. “We are telling the international community that between democracy and authoritarianism, we will stand on the side of democracy.”

Mr Lai currently serves as the vice president and has long advocated for a Taiwan that wasn’t tethered to Beijing’s influence.

Mr Lai’s victory was a tell that the Taiwanese people were willing to support a leader who would fend off China’s domineering influence.

While campaigning, Mr Hou of the opposition had expressed willingness to build strong trade ties with China.