The announcement on February 15 of Li Teng-hui as the new vice-presidential candidate took most people by surprise, but it was a pleasant surprise. Li, at 61 years of age, possesses both a fine educational background and extensive experience in the political arena.

Born on January 15, 1923, Li was raised in a small farming village near the city of Tamshui. His family was well respected; his grandfather was one of the village leaders and his father was the manager of the local irrigation cooperative. Li's family stressed the value of education and so the young Li excelled in school. Upon graduation from high school he attended National Taiwan University, majoring in agricultural economics. After graduation in 1948 he took an instructor's post with the school. Li's interest in agricultural economics did not stop with his teaching post. He decided to pursue graduate work and in 1952 attended the University of Iowa. Li continued to pursue graduate work throughout his career and successfully earned a PhD. from Cornell University in 1968. During the interim period Li took jobs as a specialist and consultant with such diverse organizations as the Cooperative Bank and for the Joint Commission of Rural Reconstruction. In all his jobs, Li earned a reputation as both a very approachable man and an honest and conscientious worker.

He has been involved in politics in one way or another since his appointment to the Joint Commission of Rural Reconstruction in 1957. However, as Li himself admits, he never was that anxious to enter a political career.

In 1972 while attending an international meeting in New Zealand, he received a telegram from the government requesting he return at once. He was then made a minister without portfolio. It was from that time that the political career of Li Teng-hui began. Since his appointment in 1972, Li has risen quickly up the political ranks. In 1978 he was appointed mayor of Taipei city and in 1981 became the governor of the province.

Li is happily married to Tseng Wen-hui and has one daughter. His son unfortunately passed away. Li has many fine qualities that make him an ideal choice for the post of vice-president. For one thing, his abiding principle about work is complete devotion. As mayor of Taipei he gave up all other interests. His philosophy is that doing a job and retaining other interests is like having one's feet in different boats, going in different directions and getting nowhere.

As both a government minister and the governor he has displayed incredible devotion and diligence to his tasks. In making any decision his principle is to be natural and to think how the decision will affect others. In other words, ask the opinion of others and then decide. The feelings of others must be considered first.

With this philosophy and love for work, Li has been a motivating force behind a lot of important government legislation, especially in the field of agriculture. He initiated many reforms and has worked hard for the promotion of the farmers' prestige and well-being.

Li also depends heavily on his faith in Christianity to guide him in life. His daughter says that it is Li's faith which gives him the strength and determination to forge ahead. His faith helps him to get along. With all these admirable qualities, Li Teng-hui should make an outstanding vice-president for the Republic of China.

(Gerald Hatherly)