President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) has been selected as one the five women the world will be talking about in 2023. Swiss publications 24 Heures and La Tribune de Geneve both called Tsai "the president who dares to confront Beijing."
The newspapers write that the first Taiwanese female head of state is determined and uncompromising in how she will not give an inch to China. Beijing considers Taiwan part of its territory and has not ruled out taking the country by force.
Once attacked by sexist and misogynistic rhetoric for being single and childless, the doctorate holder who posts pictures with her cat on social media now commands respect. Tsai appeals to a younger demographic that prides itself on its identity and liberal social policies. Her leading Taiwan to become the first Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage and her support for Hong Kong protesters are especially popular among this age group.
The articles note President Tsai did not hesitate to link Russia's invasion of Ukraine with China's intimidation of Taiwan. She has said on numerous occasions there is no room for compromise in defending Taiwan’s democratic society. The reports also suggest as the 2024 presidential election draws near, the Taiwan Strait is bound to heat up again and her words and actions will be of great importance.
In addition to Tsai, the reports say Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin, French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne, US Vice President Kamala Harris, and British Queen Camilla Parker Bowles are the other four key women who will lead the world in 2023.