TAIPEI, Taiwan — New Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te promised to provide stability for Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific during his inaugural address despite China‘s desire to unify the island with the mainland.

“Democracy and freedom are Taiwan’s unwavering commitment,” Lai told a crowd of 20,000 on Monday outside the Presidential Office Building in Taipei, Taiwan, according to a translator. “Peace is the only option. And prosperity gained through lasting peace and stability is our objective.”