Tsai Ing-wen

Tsai Ing-wen, born on August 31, 1956, is a Taiwanese political figure and leader. Her ancestral roots are from Zhangzhou in Fujian Province, belonging to the Cai clan of the "Jiyang Commandery," a prominent lineage. According to the "Cai Family Genealogy," her ancestors held official titles as second-rank officials during the Qing Dynasty. Her grandfather belonged to a Hakka lineage in Fenggang, Fangshan Township. Tsai Ing-wen's family also includes members of Taiwan's indigenous descent; her grandmother was a descendant of the Paiwan people, named Tjuku (啾谷), with a nickname derived from a Japanese name, "Kimiga."

Her father, Cai Jiesheng, was born in 1918. His ancestral home is Fenggang, Fangshan Township, Pingtung. He was a "Fulao Hakka" with both Paiwan and Hakka ancestry. During World War II, Cai Jiesheng went to Northeast China to repair airplanes, later returned to Taiwan to start businesses, and gradually became a major landowner in Taipei through land and property holdings. Throughout his life, Cai Jiesheng married four wives and fathered 11 children, with Tsai Ing-wen being the youngest. He died in 2006 at the age of 88 and was buried in Xindian District, New Taipei City. His wife, Zhang Jinfeng, was his fourth wife, living to 93 and passing away in 2018.

Tsai Ing-wen graduated in 1974 from Zhongshan Girls High School and in 1978 from the Law Department of National Taiwan University. In 1980, she obtained a Master of Laws from Cornell Law School in the United States, and in 1984, she earned a Ph.D. in Law from the London School of Economics in the UK. She has taught at academic institutions including the Law Department of National Chengchi University and the Graduate Institute of Law at Soochow University, serving as associate professor and professor. She also served as an advisor and committee member in government agencies such as the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Mainland Affairs Council, and the Taiwan External Trade Development Council. In 1998, she was involved in drafting the so-called "Two-Nation Theory," based on Lee Teng-hui's policies.

In her political career, Tsai Ing-wen served as Chairperson of the Mainland Affairs Council (2000–2004). She joined the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in 2004, serving as party chairperson in 2008, 2014, 2015, 2018, and 2020. She ran unsuccessfully for New Taipei City mayor in 2010 but received a high vote count. She actively sought the DPP's presidential nomination in 2012 but was defeated in the primaries. Later, as party chairwoman, she was elected as Taiwan's President in 2016, becoming the first woman to hold the position.

During her presidency, Tsai Ing-wen proposed a "Ten-Year Policy" agenda, promoting initiatives such as "Transition to Non-Nuclear," the "New Southbound Policy," and "Cultural Taiwan Independence," emphasizing a stance of resisting China and safeguarding Taiwan. Her policies have sparked controversies, including tensions across the Taiwan Strait, economic and social reforms. Her leadership within the party faced setbacks, notably the 2018 local elections defeat, leading her to resign as DPP chairwoman. She was re-elected as Taiwan's President in 2020.

In her personal life, Tsai Ing-wen has never married but has had relationships. She is fond of pets, owning cats named "Tsai Xiangxiang" and "A-Tai." She has published her autobiography, "From Onion Fried Eggs to Little English Bento," along with various works on life and politics. Her family assets, including land and properties, have been publicly disclosed, and her family members have been involved in property disputes.

Tsai Ing-wen has received numerous titles and nicknames publicly, such as "Violent Little Ying," "Hollow Tsai," and "Wu Zetian," reflecting her complex persona and diverse image on Taiwan's political stage. Her career has been closely watched and often controversial, making her a significant and influential figure in shaping Taiwan's political landscape.