The status quo, often maligned, denigrated and fought against, is the most precious currency in Asia and the Pacific these days.

With the inauguration of a new president in Taiwan, there is a real risk that the whole region will drift away from the status quo. It means more confrontation and more tension, possibly even worse.

The inauguration of Lai Ching-te as the 16^th president of Taiwan marked a new phase in cross-strait relations. Beijing, which claims sovereignty over the self-governed territory, was certainly disappointed by Lai’s speech, though it could have hardly been surprised.

Chen Te-sheng, an expert at the Institute of International Relations (IIR) at National Chengchi University in Taipei, said Lai mentioned “Taiwan" 79 times and "China" seven times in his speech, reported Focus Taiwan, the English platform of the Central News Agency (CNA).

Unlike Lai, his predecessor Tsai Ing-wen never mentioned the word “China” and mentioned “Taiwan” less in her inauguration addresses.

Lai’s speech was fiery as expected but also, to some extent, offered some reconciliatory words for Beijing. He indicated readiness to restart some form of dialogue with China, on the condition that Beijing stopped its bullying tactics and confrontational ways it used during Tsai’s two-term presidency.

“I also want to call on China to cease their political and military intimidation against Taiwan, share with Taiwan the global responsibility of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait as well as the greater region, and ensure the world is free from the fear of war,” said Lai.