DHAKA: Tsai Ing-wen has been sworn in as the new president of Taiwan.

Ms Tsai, who led the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to a landslide win in elections in January, is the first woman to hold the post in Taiwan, reports BBC.

The DPP has traditionally leaned towards independence from China, and its victory has led to a cooling of cross-straits relations.

China sees Taiwan as a breakaway province, which it has threatened to take back by force if necessary.

Tsai has said she will preserve the status quo in relations with China, but that Beijing must respect Taiwan's democracy.

The Taiwanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said nearly 700 heads of state, diplomats and dignitaries would be attending the event in Taipei.

BDST: 0741 HRS, May 20, 2016
AKA