Lee Teng-hui becomes the first native Taiwanese President of the Republic of China.

Lee Teng-hui (Chinese: 李登輝; 15 January 1923 – 30 July 2020) was a pivotal figure in modern Taiwanese history, renowned as a statesman and accomplished economist. His transformative tenure as President of the Republic of China (Taiwan) under the 1947 Constitution and Chairman of the Kuomintang (KMT) from 1988 to 2000 marked a crucial period for the island nation.

A trailblazer in many respects, Lee holds the unique distinction of being the first president of the Republic of China to be born in Taiwan itself, breaking from a long line of leaders who originated from mainland China. His path to the highest office was equally remarkable as he was the last president to be indirectly elected, yet also the first to be directly elected by popular vote, a testament to the sweeping democratic reforms he spearheaded during his time in office.

The Architect of Taiwan's Democracy

During his twelve-year presidency, Lee Teng-hui earned the moniker "Mr. Democracy" for his instrumental role in guiding Taiwan through a comprehensive and peaceful transition from authoritarian rule to a vibrant, multi-party democracy. His leadership ushered in an era of profound political change and national identity redefinition.

Ending Martial Law and Constitutional Reforms

One of Lee's most significant achievements was overseeing the complete dismantling of the remaining vestiges of martial law, which had been in place since 1949. While initial steps to lift martial law were taken by his predecessor, Chiang Ching-kuo, Lee championed and completed the necessary constitutional reforms that truly solidified Taiwan's democratic foundations. A critical step was the abolition of the "Temporary Provisions Effective During the Period of National Mobilization for Suppression of the Communist Rebellion" in 1991. These provisions had granted the president extraordinary powers and circumvented the constitution, effectively prolonging an authoritarian system.

Under Lee's guidance, the National Assembly, previously responsible for electing the president, saw its powers curtailed. This paved the way for the historic direct presidential election of 1996, where Lee himself stood as a candidate and secured a resounding victory. This election was not only a landmark for Taiwan's democratic journey but also unfolded against the backdrop of the Third Taiwan Strait Crisis, where mainland China conducted missile tests in an attempt to influence the election results. Despite these intimidation tactics, the Taiwanese populace overwhelmingly voted for their leader, affirming their commitment to self-determination and democratic values.

Taiwanese Identity and Pragmatic Diplomacy

Beyond political liberalization, Lee Teng-hui actively championed the Taiwanese localization movement, an initiative focused on fostering a distinct Taiwanese identity, history, and culture, moving away from a singular focus on a Chinese national narrative. This encouraged a deeper appreciation for Taiwan's unique heritage and its indigenous cultures.

In foreign policy, Lee pursued what became known as "pragmatic diplomacy." Recognizing Taiwan's challenging international isolation due to Beijing's "One China" policy, he embarked on an ambitious strategy to expand Taiwan's international space. This involved strengthening unofficial ties with countries, seeking participation in international organizations like the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), and engaging in high-profile visits abroad, often despite strong protests from Beijing. His efforts aimed to enhance Taiwan's visibility and secure its standing on the global stage, demonstrating its status as a sovereign and democratic entity.

Post-Presidency Engagement and Legacy

Even after concluding his presidential term in 2000, Lee Teng-hui remained a highly influential figure in Taiwanese politics and public life. He was widely regarded as the "spiritual leader" of the Taiwan Solidarity Union (TSU), a pro-independence political party, and played an active role in recruiting for the party. His public campaigning for TSU candidates in the 2001 Taiwanese legislative election ultimately led to his expulsion from the Kuomintang (KMT), the party he had led for twelve years. This event underscored his evolving political alignment and his strong conviction regarding Taiwan's national future.

Lee continued to engage in various activities, including maintaining significant diplomatic and personal relations with former Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian and cultivating strong ties with Japan, a country he held in high regard due partly to his upbringing under Japanese colonial rule and his deep understanding of its culture. His unwavering commitment to Taiwan's democratic consolidation and distinct identity cemented his enduring legacy as a visionary leader who profoundly shaped the nation's trajectory.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lee Teng-hui

Why is Lee Teng-hui known as "Mr. Democracy"?
Lee Teng-hui earned the moniker "Mr. Democracy" because he orchestrated and oversaw Taiwan's comprehensive transition from an authoritarian system to a full-fledged democracy during his presidency from 1988 to 2000. He implemented crucial constitutional reforms, abolished remaining martial law provisions, and initiated the first direct presidential elections, fundamentally transforming Taiwan's political landscape.
What was the "Taiwanese localization movement" advocated by Lee Teng-hui?
The Taiwanese localization movement, championed by Lee Teng-hui, was a policy aimed at fostering a stronger sense of unique Taiwanese identity, distinct from a purely Chinese one. It involved promoting Taiwanese history, culture, and language, thereby shifting the national narrative to emphasize Taiwan's unique heritage and reducing reliance on mainland China-centric perspectives.
How did Lee Teng-hui become President of the Republic of China?
Lee Teng-hui became President unexpectedly in 1988 following the death of his predecessor, Chiang Ching-kuo, under whom he served as Vice President. He then consolidated his power through internal party struggles within the Kuomintang (KMT) and later secured his mandate by becoming the first directly elected president in 1996.