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Tsai Ing-wen

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description Tsai Ing-wen Overview

Tsai Ing-wen is a Taiwanese politician, legal scholar, and member of the Democratic Progressive Party who served as president of the Republic of China from 2016 to 2024. She was the first woman to hold Taiwan's presidency and previously served as chair of her party. Her administration addressed relations with the People's Republic of China, defense and economic policy, and domestic reforms, including the legalization of same-sex marriage in Taiwan.

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When was Tsai Ing-wen president of Taiwan?

Tsai Ing-wen served as president of the Republic of China, commonly called Taiwan, from 2016 to 2024. Her two terms ran from May 20, 2016, to May 20, 2024.

Was Tsai Ing-wen Taiwan's first woman president?

Yes, Tsai was the first woman elected president of Taiwan. She represented the Democratic Progressive Party, or DPP.

What did Tsai Ing-wen do before becoming president?

Tsai was a legal scholar and professor who taught at National Chengchi University and Soochow University. She also served as chair of the Democratic Progressive Party before winning the presidency.

What major social reform is associated with Tsai's administration?

Taiwan legalized same-sex marriage in 2019 during Tsai's presidency, becoming the first jurisdiction in Asia to do so. Her administration also pursued transitional justice and issued an official apology to Taiwan's Indigenous peoples.