Trade official who became the first Taiwan-born premier and vice-president in 2008–2012
Born in Chiayi in 1939 under Japanese rule, he studied diplomacy at National Chengchi University. After serving as consul in Kuala Lumpur he handled trade negotiations with the United States at the Board of Foreign Trade, and as its director-general from 1982 to 1988 promoted trade liberalisation. As minister of economic affairs, chairman of the Council for Economic Planning and Development and chairman of the Mainland Affairs Council, he put forward the Asia-Pacific Regional Operations Center plan and represented “Chinese Taipei” at APEC leaders’ meetings. Nominated by Lee Teng-hui in 1997, he became the first Taiwan-born premier and served until 2000. He ran for vice-president with Lien Chan in 2000 and lost, then won with Ma Ying-jeou in 2008 and served until 2012.
Also known as: Siew Wan-chang · Xiao Wanchang
Activities and affiliations
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1966–1972
Republic of China state institutionsConsul in Kuala Lumpur
Diplomacy and international organization -
1982–1988
Republic of China state institutionsDirector-General of the Board of Foreign Trade
Economy, finance and planning -
1988–
Political and party leadership
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1990–1994
Republic of China state institutionsMinister of Economic Affairs; Chairman of the CEPD
Economy, finance and planning -
1994–1995
Republic of China state institutionsChairman of the Mainland Affairs Council
Government and administration -
1996–1997
Republic of China state institutionsMember of the Legislative Yuan
Legislature and state representation -
1997–2000
Republic of China state institutionsPresident of the Executive YuanHeads of state, government and party of ChinaMain
Political and party leadership -
2000–2005
KuomintangVice-Chairman of the Kuomintang
Political and party leadership -
2008–2012
Republic of China state institutionsVice President
Government and administration
Career Timeline
- 1961Graduated in diplomacy from National Chengchi University
- 1966.04–1972Vice consul and consul in Kuala Lumpur
- 1972–1982Board of Foreign Trade
- 1982.01–1988Director-General of the Board of Foreign Trade
- 1988–1989Vice Chairman of the CEPD
- 1990.06.01–1993.02Minister of Economic Affairs
- 1993.02–1994Chairman of the CEPD
- 1994–1995Chairman of the Mainland Affairs Council
- 1996–1997Member of the Legislative Yuan
- 1997.09.01–2000.05.20President of the Executive Yuan
- 2000–2005.03Vice-Chairman of the Kuomintang
- 2008.05.20–2012.05.20Vice President