Vice President of the Republic of China facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Vice President of the Republic of China (Taiwan) |
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National Emblem of Taiwan
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| Office of the President | |
| Style | Ms Vice President (informal) Her Excellency (diplomatic) |
| Member of | National Security Council |
| Residence | Anping Residence |
| Seat | Presidential Office, Taipei |
| Appointer | Direct election |
| Term length | 4 years; renewable once |
| Formation | 20 May 1948 |
| First holder | Li Zongren |
| Salary | NTD 398,270 monthly (2024) |
The Vice President of the Republic of China, also known as the Vice President of Taiwan, is a very important leader in Taiwan. This person holds the second-highest position in the government, right after the President. They are also the first in line to take over if something happens to the President.
Contents
What Does the Vice President Do?
Taking Over for the President
The main job of the Vice President is to be ready to step in for the President. If the President's job becomes empty, the Vice President takes over for the rest of the President's term. This is stated in Article 49 of the Constitution of the Republic of China.
If both the President and Vice President's jobs become empty, then the head of the Executive Yuan (like a Prime Minister) steps in. Also, if the President is unable to do their job for any reason, the Vice President acts as President.
Limited Formal Power
Besides being ready to take over or fill in for the President, the Vice President doesn't have many other official powers. Their role is mostly to support the President.
How the Vice President is Chosen
Before 1996, the Vice President was chosen by a group called the National Assembly. But starting with the 1996 election, the Vice President is now chosen by a direct vote from the people of Taiwan. They run on the same election ticket as the President.
Important Moments in Vice Presidential History
Vice Presidents Who Became President
Two Vice Presidents have become President when the President passed away.
- Yen Chia-kan became President in 1975 after President Chiang Kai-shek passed away.
- Lee Teng-hui became President in 1988 after President Chiang Ching-kuo passed away.
A Vice President Who Acted as President
Li Zongren acted as President from January 21, 1949, to March 1, 1950. This happened when President Chiang Kai-shek stepped down during the Chinese Civil War. Li Zongren later left Taiwan for medical treatment. Chiang Kai-shek eventually moved the government to Taiwan and officially took back his duties. Li Zongren remained Vice President in name until 1954.
Vice Presidents with Other Roles
Because the Vice President's job has limited formal power, some Vice Presidents have also held other important government jobs at the same time. For example, Chen Cheng, Yen Chia-kan, and Lien Chan all served as the Premier (head of the Executive Yuan) while they were Vice President.
List of Vice Presidents
You can find a full list of all the Vice Presidents of the Republic of China here:
Images for kids
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The Presidential Office of the Republic of China in Taipei, where the Vice President's office is located.
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The Official Residence of the Vice President, located in Daan District, Taipei.
See also
In Spanish: Vicepresidente de la República de China para niños
