Tenray Chou, President, The Journalist

Before President Lee's trip, Singapore took several "political actions." Under the circumstances, if he returned without stating such a clear viewpoint, logical thinking, method for handling the situation, and willingness to take responsibility, he would have been criticized severly.

But at this press conference, he appeared quite sincere. He quite understood the issues, showed courage and self-confidence, and let everyone understand that Singapore has been pretty good to us. Putting these things together before the people then really raised his position and reputation. He progressed since last year's press conference; he had more personal charisma, and was livelier.

He said he even reads the journals that attack him. The Journalist criticizes him the most. Before, some people considered us anti-Lee, but I think that there is no opportunity for others to supervise the President. If the media just dolls him up, that's just preparing him to become a strongman, which is not the proper way to treat a leader.

A strongman era has many advantages, but many strong leaders have a dictatorial, nondemocratic side-effect. In fact, everybody's mind is contradictory. After all he is the first non-Chiang afer the two Chiangs, and many were concerned: is he a front? A figurehead leader?

However, we can see from his performance at this press conference, he dares to use this kind of language, says these kinds of things about foreign policy, surpassing any official way of speaking used in the past. This means that he truly has confidence, that he can be the leader. One can see that this president is "in command."

At this press conference, the feeling he gave people was: between the two sides of the dilemma (loving the strongman, but fearing the strongman), he has already found his own path.

(Mr. Chou especially emphasizes that this assessment does not mean he will not criticize President Lee again in the future.)

Anthony G.C. Wu, Deputy Editor in Chief, The Independence Evening Post, The Independence Morning Post

The Singapore trip was an important milepost in accumulating prestige for President Lee. Many in the media were doubtful about the trip, but he courageously went, and he spoke with determination upon returning, which was inspiring.

I think the greatest significance of the trip was to give the ROC some hope; the Chinese Communists are not so intimidating, we can go where they are.

At the press conference he said something very important: as for Singapore calling him "The President from Taiwan," he said he was "not satisfied" but would "accept it." This means that besides reunification and independence, there are other choices.

This also matters at home: Because our current system is built on a frame of "greater China," if the ideology can have this kind of amendment, then many matters will have some principles to follow.

The flexible diplomacy of this trip created a good model. Like the phrase "from Taiwan"--it's firmer than other names. And we know, even if Singapore established official relations with the Chinese Communists, official contacts, meetings at the ministerial level will continue.

But I believe we should look down the road. Do these accomplishments have a legal basis, like the Taiwan Relations Act? I hope these things don't disappear when Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew steps down.

Huang Hui-chen, Chief of Political News Department, China Times

Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew said he has not yet seen President Lee's performance in a national crisis. But in fact the pressure on President Lee over the last year has been enormous.

His political experience was not long. He is the successor to a strong leader. Everyone was worried about what would happen when the leader was not there. But since last January 13th, we have passed through a series of potential crises, moved toward multi-party democracy. This of course is a credit to society, but he is the center of power--he has not made any mistakes amidst a difficult situation.

President Lee is a man of strong conviction and confident about overcoming problems. This is an important personal quality; he has self-confidence, so others trust him. He is frank; he keeps no distance from the people; his scholarly background is good; he has the bearing of a leader. Over the past year he has continually visited party and local elders, called together officials, made links with the military. This is how the transition crisis has been overcome. To say he has had no pressure is a mistake.

At this press conference you can see he was very willing to express his own thoughts. He has the spirit of a missionary. He gave people the feeling that he is open and sincere, dependable. Most people would protect themselves; national leaders so open and sincere are hard to find.

James Jin, President, Business Weekly

That President Lee Teng-hui, in his status as President, personally pushed forward flexible diplomacy and broke out of the impasse left a deep impression on the citizens. Many public opinion surveys show his reputation has reached a peak; it is clear the people are entrusting a heavy burden to him. A leader can use this strength to break new ground.

This trip to Singapore included many matters which are too small for the President. His role is to be the spiritual leader in politics. If he raises an issue, this puts pressure on the cabinet and parliament. A new climate will emerge, helping the positive push out the negative.

Many are worried that President Lee could be a "strongman." But the key is, is this a strongman within the constitutional structure? Small matters can be decided by others; but we certainly hope that, within the constitutional structure, he will have a great effect.

At his first press conference, President Lee had a calming effect when everyone was down. Now we are facing many impasses politically; it is hoped he can use the power which public opinion has entrusted to make positive innovations. Besides him, who has this power?

[Picture Caption]

President Lee, while in the cockpit of the special China Airlines aircra ft, told the pilot that his governing the country was like flying a plane: he deeply feels a heavy sense o f responsibility. Mrs. Lee, by his side, heard and smiled. (photo by Fu Liann Bang)

President Lee was the first foreign leader to visit Pacific Biomedical since its establishment. Singapore reporters repeatedly said, "Your President is really interested in science and technology." (photo by Fu Liann Bang)

On the golf course, President Lee hit each ball with earnest concentration. (photo by Chen Min-jeng)

President Lee at Sun Moon Lake, dressed casually, talks happily with Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, who made a special visit. (photo by Lee Pei-huei)

resident Lee, while in the cockpit of the special China Airlines aircra ft, told the pilot that his governing the country was like flying a plane: he deeply feels a heavy sense o f responsibility. Mrs. Lee, by his side, heard and smiled. （photo by Fu Liann Bang）