Taiwan’s first democratically elected president, Lee Teng-hui, passed away last Thursday at the age of 97. Today, we honor his legacy by taking a look back at his extensive political career.
The year is 1978. The late Lee Teng-hui is mayor of Taipei City. He sits down with Taiwan’s cabinet to discuss preparations for an impending typhoon. Three years later, he becomes chairman of the Taiwan Provincial Government. This is just the beginning to what would become a remarkable political career.
Impressed with his leadership, then-President Chiang Ching-kuo selects Lee as his vice president in 1984. Four years later, Chiang passes away suddenly, leaving the leadership position to Lee. As president, Lee Teng-hui promises to act and serve patriotically.
In 1990, students take to the streets in the Wild Lily student movement, demanding the right to elect their leaders. Lee meets with student leaders to hear their ideas and come to a peaceful resolution. He agrees to implement democratic elections in Taiwan.
In 1995, Lee visits his alma matter － Cornell University － and gives a speech in his capacity as president. The following year, Taiwanese people vote for Lee in the nation’s first democratic presidential elections.
Fast forward to 2000: Lee’s party, the Kuomintang, loses the presidential election. He steps down as party chair and leaves office at the end of his term, having served for 12 years.
In 2001, Lee Teng-hui founds the Taiwan Solidarity Union, a political party that advocates for Taiwan independence. He is subsequently expelled from the Kuomintang.
In 2004, Lee joins President Chen Shui-bian in protesting against Chinese aggression, giving a boost to Chen’s campaign for reelection.
Even in his later years, Lee never slows to a halt. After his political career simmers down, he uses his background in agricultural economics in a bid to develop Taiwan’s domestic Wagyu beef industry. He also turns to nonprofit work, helping raise awareness for a variety of different charities.
Lee’s passing at the age of 97 on July 30th, 2020, marks an end to an era. But his contributions to Taiwan’s democratic development will forever be ingrained in Taiwan’s history.