Tsai Ing-wen

On January 16, 2016, Tsai Ing-wen soundly defeated her opponent and was inaugurated as Taiwan’s first woman president, marking a significant political milestone.

Attends the nation's main memorial ceremony to mark the 70th anniversary of the 228 Incident, emphasizing the government's commitment to exercising maximum prudence in determining responsibility and hoping for reconciliation to move democracy in Taiwan forward.

The president attends a ceremony marking the departure of a detachment unit of the navy's Fleet of Friendship and the signing of a memorandum of cooperation to design Taiwan's first indigenous submarines, thus launching the program to domestically develop and manufacture submarines in Taiwan.

In the wake of a magnitude-6.0 earthquake in Hualien County, holds meetings and visits the affected area to understand the disaster relief efforts firsthand.

The President attended the inauguration ceremony for the Institute for National Defense and Security Research and set expectations for the institute's role in strategic research and external exchanges. She also addressed the termination of diplomatic relations between Taiwan and the Dominican Republic.

Taiwan's President inspects Xinma Station in Yilan County following the Puyuma Express train accident. She is briefed on the incident and the implemented rescue operations and transport measures. Additionally, she visits the injured and the families of the victims in several hospitals and instructs related agencies to clarify the cause of the incident.

Attends a ceremony to witness the launch of Taiwan's Formosat-7 satellite constellation, emphasizing its significance in advancing Taiwan's aerospace technology and providing powerful weather monitoring capabilities. Also mentions the intention to share collected data with countries across the globe.

Responds to a bridge collapse incident in Nanfangao, Yilan County by heading to the administrative coordination liaison office to inspect the progress of rescue efforts. Instructs relevant agencies to spare no effort in rescue work, remove barriers from the waterway, and conduct a comprehensive investigation to identify the cause of the collapse. Also orders thorough checks on all aging bridges in the country to ensure public safety.

Attends the launch ceremony for the Century Wind Power plant at the Port of Taipei and emphasizes the opportunities that energy transformation will bring to Taiwan, including new energy, business opportunities, and jobs. Sets a target for green energy to account for 20 percent of total power generation by 2025, with the offshore wind power industry having the potential to generate a total output value of NT$1.2 trillion and create 20,000 jobs.

Taiwan became the first country in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage. The administration has worked to ensure stronger human rights protections across society, including removing job restrictions and discrimination against women in the workplace, initiating judicial reform, and strengthening the social safety net to better protect underprivileged groups.

President Tsai Ing-wen partners with former Premier Lai Ching-te to take part in the ROC’s 15th-term presidential and vice presidential elections as candidates for the Democratic Progressive Party and successfully wins the election after receiving more than 8.17 million votes.

Taiwan's President emphasizes the pursuit of transitional justice during the nation's main memorial ceremony to mark the 73rd anniversary of the 228 Incident. The President calls for declassification and public access to political archival records, promoting human rights education, and facing the mistakes of the past to consolidate democracy and create a more diverse and free society.

Taiwan's President visits the Center for Research, Diagnostics and Vaccine Development under the Ministry of Health and Welfare's Taiwan Centers for Disease Control to express gratitude to the staff and medical laboratory scientists for their efforts in the fight against COVID-19. She also acknowledges the citizens for following the CECC's guidance and emphasizes the need for collective effort to combat the virus.

Visited the Central Epidemic Command Center to express appreciation for their service in preventing and controlling the COVID-19 outbreak. Emphasized the importance of global cooperation and willingness to provide assistance to the international community.

Attends the launch of Taiwan's first indigenous advanced jet trainer, where she states that the jet trainer, codenamed Brave Eagle, is significant in two respects: First, domestic manufacture of our own aircraft has driven great progress and development in the nation’s aerospace industry; second, the research and manufacture of the advanced jet trainer signifies not only the government's commitment to the best training environment for the country's Air Force personnel, but is also a major factor in realizing national defense self-sufficiency. The successful inaugural flight has again made history, 31 years after the maiden flight of the Ching-kuo Indigenous Defense Fighter.

President Tsai mourns the passing of former President Lee Teng-hui, acknowledging his indispensable contributions to Taiwan's democratization and directing government agencies to assist with funeral arrangements.

President Tsai pays tribute to former President Lee Teng-hui at a memorial event, commemorating his remarkable contributions to Taiwan's democracy and society.

Attends a joint ceremony marking the delivery of the first Anping-class patrol corvette, the naming and launch of the second corvette Cheng Kung, and the delivery of a 35-ton patrol boat. Highlights the progress in the plan to develop and build marine patrol vessels, emphasizing the impact on law enforcement and the shipbuilding industry.

Attends a ceremony marking the naming and launch of the first upgraded Tuo Chiang-class missile corvette and delivery of the first rapid minelayer. Emphasizes the demonstration of Taiwan's resolve to defend territorial waters and the development of national defense capabilities through domestic vessel production.

Attended the opening of the fully electrified South Link Line in Taitung, emphasizing the positive impact on eastern Taiwan's tourism industry and urban-rural development. Mentioned upcoming measures to further upgrade the rail transport system to benefit residents and travelers.

Visited northern area units under Army Special Forces Command and Songshan Radar Station on Yangmingshan to show appreciation for the military's dedication and thank military personnel for guarding Taiwan's waters and airspace.

Attends a public memorial service for the victims of the Taroko Express No. 408 accident of April 2, 2021. Offers incense and flowers for the deceased, and expresses sincere condolences to their families.

Taiwan's President receives the prestigious John McCain Prize for Leadership in Public Service from the Halifax International Security Forum, emphasizing Taiwan's commitment to freedom and democracy.

Taiwan's President confers a prestigious award upon William Brent Christensen, Director of the Taipei Office of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), acknowledging his significant contributions to deepening the Taiwan-US relationship. Highlights achievements made during Christensen's tenure, reflecting the strengthening friendship between Taiwan and the US.

Taiwan's President addressed the Ketagalan Forum - 2021 Asia-Pacific Security Dialogue via video, expressing Taiwan's willingness to contribute to regional peace, development, and prosperity. Emphasized Taiwan's commitment to maintaining peaceful coexistence with neighbors and defending democracy. Highlighted Taiwan's effective pandemic response and assistance to other countries.

Taiwan's President holds a press conference to announce that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company founder Dr. Morris Chang will represent her at the 2021 APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting (AELM). She expresses hope that Dr. Chang will inspire more support for Taiwan's accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) among APEC members, urge APEC to act for equitable vaccine acquisition, and call for using digital technology to create resilient healthcare systems.

Taiwan's President delivers a new year's address outlining the stable governance plan for 2022, focusing on global engagement, economic momentum, social security network, and safeguarding the nation's sovereignty. Emphasizes unity to overcome challenges and progress towards a brighter future.

Attends the nation's main memorial ceremony marking the 75th anniversary of the 228 Incident. Expresses hope for Taiwan's pursuit of transitional justice and calls for unity in moving forward for democratic development.

The President convenes an advisory meeting to discuss pandemic trend projections, prevention strategies, and measures, as well as the availability of prevention supplies and healthcare capacity readiness. Three major disease prevention principles are proposed, including the establishment of additional large-scale screening stations, simplifying the procedure for confirmed cases to see a doctor, and purchasing additional disease prevention supplies. The Executive Yuan is directed to coordinate the implementation of policy details.

Taiwan's leader expresses strong disapproval of China's live-fire military exercises near Taiwan, urging China to act with reason and restraint. She emphasizes Taiwan's commitment to defending its sovereignty and calls for international support to halt China's military actions.

Tsai Ing-wen visited Penghu ahead of the Mid-Autumn Festival to address China's continued drone intrusions and its ongoing campaign of coercion against Taiwan. She emphasized the need to remain calm when provoked and ordered the Ministry of National Defense to adopt necessary countermeasures to defend Taiwan's airspace.

Taiwan's President meets with a delegation from the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC) and expresses gratitude for their support for Taiwan. Emphasizes the importance of democratic nations uniting to defend the values of democracy and freedom in the face of formidable challenges to the democratic world order. Expresses confidence in Taiwan's cooperation with democratic allies to uphold security and stability in the region.

Taiwan emphasizes the significance of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and expresses gratitude to the Biden administration for supporting Taiwan's self-defense capabilities. The goal is to deepen cooperation with the United States and build secure and resilient supply chains.

Tsai Ing-wen departs for a 10-day diplomatic visit to allies Guatemala and Belize under the theme 'Meeting Democratic Partners, Fostering Shared Prosperity.' She emphasizes Taiwan's determination to foster deeper exchanges and cooperation with its allies and conveys three clear messages regarding Taiwan's values, economic role, and engagement with the world.

Tsai Ing-wen met with a delegation led by US Senator John Hoeven to express gratitude for the US Congress's support in enhancing Taiwan-US security cooperation. She also emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation for mutual growth and prosperity.

President of Taiwan delivers a video address at the Copenhagen Democracy Summit 2023, highlighting Taiwan's vibrant democracy and its role in safeguarding peace and stability in the region. Emphasizes the importance of partnerships with like-minded countries in facing challenges, particularly in dealing with threats from China.

Taiwan's President attends the inauguration ceremony for the completion of the Formosa 2 offshore windfarm, emphasizing its significance in meeting industrial needs, enhancing international competitiveness, and advancing green energy development. The project aims to improve power supply scheduling and efficiency, with a vision for Taiwan to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

President Tsai Ing-wen held a press conference titled 'Seven years in office: redefining Taiwan, letting the world see Taiwan from a new perspective' to report on the achievements of her administration over the last seven years. The conference covered topics such as safeguarding freedom and democracy, advancing citizen well-being, and addressing issues related to energy policy, the economy, cross-strait relations, Taiwan-US relations, national defense, and foreign affairs.

President meets with President-elect Santiago Peña Palacios of the Republic of Paraguay and his wife to celebrate the 66th anniversary of the establishment of official diplomatic ties between Taiwan and Paraguay. Emphasizes the significance of celebrating the occasion together and expresses hope for Taiwan and Paraguay to stand together on the frontline of democracy and freedom.

China conducted military drills near the Taiwan Strait, off the coasts of Guangdong and Zhejiang Provinces, for the first time since the Third Taiwan Strait Crisis.

Taiwan deployed two F-16 fighter jets and fired 117 medium and long-range missiles in response to China's military drills near the Taiwan Strait.