Famous Taiwanese Leaders

Tsai Ing-wen is a Taiwanese politician who served as the 7th president of Taiwan from 2016 to 2024. She was the first woman to hold this position. Tsai's political career includes being a member and chair of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). She has a background in law and international trade, serving in various governmental positions including as Minister of the Mainland Affairs Council. Tsai has been praised internationally for her response to the COVID-19 pandemic and her stance against pressure from the People's Republic of China.

Ma Ying-jeou is a Taiwanese politician who served as the 6th president of the Republic of China from 2008 to 2016. He held various positions such as the 14th justice minister, mayor of Taipei, and chairman of the Kuomintang. Ma studied at National Taiwan University before pursuing graduate degrees in the United States. He worked for President Chiang Ching-kuo and held roles such as chair of the Research, Development and Evaluation Commission. Ma's presidency focused on improving relations with mainland China and he was re-elected in 2012.

Bai Chongxi was a Chinese general in the National Revolutionary Army and a key leader in the Republic of China. He, along with Li Zongren, governed Guangxi province as regional warlords. Bai had a complex relationship with Chiang Kai-shek, sometimes clashing and other times cooperating. He played a role in various conflicts, supporting anti-Chiang alliances and later aiding Chiang in wars against Japan and the Communists. Bai served as the first defense minister of the Republic of China before fleeing to Taiwan following the Communist victory in 1949.

Hu Shih was a prominent Chinese diplomat, essayist, fiction writer, literary scholar, philosopher, and politician. He played a significant role in promoting Chinese liberalism and language reform, advocating for the use of vernacular Chinese. Hu was involved in key movements such as the May Fourth Movement and China's New Culture Movement. He served as the president of Peking University and edited the Free China Journal. Hu was known for his criticism of both Chiang Kai-shek and Li Dazhao, as well as his opposition to the autocratic dictatorship of the Chinese Communist Party.

Chen Shui-bian is a Taiwanese former politician and lawyer who served as the 5th president of the Republic of China (Taiwan) from 2000 to 2008. He was the first president from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), ending the Kuomintang's 55 years of continuous rule in Taiwan. Chen entered politics in 1980 during the Kaohsiung Incident, was jailed for libel in 1985, and helped found the DPP in 1986. He was elected to the Taipei City Council, Legislative Yuan, and served as Mayor of Taipei before becoming president.

Chu Mei-feng is a prominent Taiwanese TV journalist with a background in politics and cultural affairs. She has served as a Taipei City Councillor, where she actively engaged in local governance and community development. Additionally, she held a significant role as the director of Hsinchu City's Bureau of Cultural Affairs, where she likely oversaw the city's cultural initiatives and events. Through her various professional roles, Chu Mei-feng has made substantial contributions to both media and public service in Taiwan.

Lee Teng-hui was a Taiwanese statesman and agriculturist who served as the 4th president of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and chairman of the Kuomintang (KMT). He was known for overseeing the end of martial law, democratizing Taiwan, advocating for Taiwanese localization, and pursuing an active foreign policy to gain global allies. Nicknamed "Mr. Democracy," Lee was credited for completing Taiwan's democratic transition. Post-presidency, he continued to play a prominent role in Taiwanese politics, notably supporting the pro-independence Taiwan Solidarity Union and maintaining international relations.

Hsiao Bi-khim is a Taiwanese politician and diplomat, serving as the vice president of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the first biracial vice president. She previously held roles as the Taiwanese representative to the United States, a legislator in the Legislative Yuan, and a vice president of Liberal International. With a background in political science from Oberlin College and Columbia University, she is a key figure in the Democratic Progressive Party's foreign policy circles.

Chen Chu is a Taiwanese politician who has held various significant positions in government. She served as Mayor of Kaohsiung for 12 years, making her the longest-serving mayor of the city since the Japanese occupation. Chen also held roles in Taipei and Kaohsiung city governments and served as Minister of the Council of Labor Affairs. In 2020, she became President of the Control Yuan and chairwoman of the National Human Rights Commission. Chen is known for her activism, having been one of the "Kaohsiung Eight" dissidents arrested during the martial law period.

Annette Lu Hsiu-lien is a Taiwanese politician with a background in the tangwai movement and feminism. She joined the Democratic Progressive Party in 1990 and was elected to the Legislative Yuan in 1992. Lu later served as Taoyuan County Magistrate and was Vice President of Taiwan from 2000 to 2008. She made multiple attempts to run for the presidency, supporting other candidates on some occasions. Despite experiencing setbacks within her party, Lu remained politically active and contested the 2020 presidential election as a member of the Formosa Alliance.

Kao Chin Su-mei, a Taiwanese politician and former actress and singer, gained fame in the 1980s and 1990s through roles in TV series and films, including the renowned production, The Wedding Banquet. She also ventured into Mandopop music with the release of multiple albums. After her successful entertainment career, she transitioned into politics and was elected into the Legislative Yuan of Taiwan. As a member of the Non-Partisan Solidarity Union, she has been a strong voice for aboriginal rights, representing the Highland Aborigines electoral district.

Christine Chow Ma is a Taiwanese lawyer with a distinguished professional background. She served as the First Lady of the Republic of China from 2008 to 2016. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to legal advocacy and public service. Her leadership and dedication have earned her respect both domestically and internationally. As the spouse of former President Ma Ying-jeou, she played a significant role in supporting various initiatives and projects aimed at promoting social welfare and diplomatic relations.

Vincent C. Siew is a Taiwanese politician who has held several prominent positions in government and politics. He served as the Vice President of the Republic of China from 2008 to 2012 and was the first Taiwanese-born Premier of the Republic of China. Siew also has a background as the vice-chairman of the Kuomintang (KMT), showcasing his influence and leadership within the political landscape of Taiwan. Throughout his career, Siew has played a key role in shaping the country's policies and governance.

Freddy Lim Tshiong-tso is a prominent Taiwanese figure known for his roles as a politician, musician, and independence activist. As the lead vocalist of heavy-metal bands Chthonic and Metal Clone X, he has made significant contributions to Taiwan's music scene. In addition to his musical endeavors, Lim has been actively involved in human rights advocacy, having served as the chair of Amnesty International Taiwan. He co-founded the New Power Party (NPP) and represented the party in the Legislative Yuan, where he continues to make an impact through his work as an independent legislator.