Taiwan's new President Lai Ching-te sworn into office

Lai Ching-te of Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) was sworn in and took office as the self-governing island's president on Monday.

According to Taiwan's Foreign Ministry, more than 500 foreign guests from 51 delegations attended the inauguration ceremony and related activities, including the national leaders of eight countries which maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan.

Lai, 64, the son of a coal miner and a trained physician, succeeds Tsai Ing-wen, 67, to lead the democracy amid increasing threats from China.