Mr. Democracy and his legacy
On behalf of the government, the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) extends sincere gratitude to President David Kabua, Foreign Minister Casten N. Nemra, Speaker Kenneth A. Kedi, Vice Speaker Peterson Jibas, Senator Hilda C. Hilda, Mayor Ladie N. Jack and US Ambassador Roxanne Cabral for their messages of sympathy and condolences on the passing of former President Lee Teng-hui of the Republic of China (Taiwan).
Former President Lee Teng-hui passed away on the evening of July 30, 2020. He served three terms of office from 1988 to 2000, making historic contributions to Taiwan’s democratic transformation and consolidation of the country’s democratic system. During his tenure, former President Lee completed Taiwan’s constitutional reforms, implemented comprehensive reelection of the national legislature, and instituted direct presidential elections.
In 1996, Former President Lee became the first democratically elected President. Under his leadership, Taiwan successfully transformed into a model of democracy in Asia. Former President Lee was widely lauded as “Mr. Democracy” for these great historic achievements. In 1998, former President Lee and former President Imata J. Kabua of the Republic of the Marshall Islands established diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Taiwan will continue to promote the ideals of democracy and freedom championed by former President Lee and further strengthen cooperation with the Marshall Islands and like-minded countries to jointly uphold the rules-based international order and safeguard peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.