Cheng Li-chun (Chinese: 鄭麗君; pinyin: Zhèng Lìjūn; born 19 June 1969) is a Taiwanese politician who is the vice premier of Taiwan[note 1] since 2024. Before her vice premiership, she served as the minister of Culture from 2016 to 2020.

Cheng Li-chun
鄭麗君
Official portrait, 2016
40th Vice Premier of the Republic of China
Assumed office
20 May 2024
PremierCho Jung-tai
Preceded byCheng Wen-tsan
3rd Minister of Culture
In office
20 May 2016 – 20 May 2020
PremierLin Chuan
William Lai
Su Tseng-chang
Deputy
Vice
Preceded byHung Meng-chi
Succeeded byLee Yung-te
Member of the Legislative Yuan
In office
1 February 2012 – 19 May 2016
Succeeded byLee Li-feng
ConstituencyProportional Representation ( Democratic Progressive Party)
14th Minister of the National Youth Commission
In office
20 May 2004 – 21 February 2008
PremierYu Shyi-kun
Frank Hsieh
Su Tseng-chang
Chang Chun-hsiung
Preceded byLin Fang-mei
Succeeded byChen Cong-sheng (acting)
Lin Tai-hua
Personal details
Born (1969-06-19) 19 June 1969 (age 55)
Taipei, Taiwan
NationalityTaiwan
Political party Democratic Progressive Party
EducationNational Taiwan University (BA)
Paris West University Nanterre La Défense (MA)

Early life and education

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Cheng is Hoklo Taiwanese, her ancestors came directly from southeastern Fujian. Cheng obtained her bachelor's degree in philosophy from National Taiwan University in 1992 and master's degree in philosophy, politics, economics and sociology from Paris West University Nanterre La Défense in France.[1][2] During her political career, Cheng and fellow legislators Hsiao Bi-khim and Chiu Yi-ying gained the nickname "the S.H.E of the DPP."[3]

Ministry of Culture

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Cheng was appointed the Minister of Culture on 20 May 2016.[4][5] In April 2017, Cheng proposed a five-year infrastructure development program targeting Taiwanese historical sites to the Education and Culture Committee of the Legislative Yuan. The plan set aside NT$5.66 billion for maintenance of historic sites and NT$15.8 billion for digital infrastructure construction.[6] She stepped down from the position on 20 May 2020, and was replaced by Lee Yung-te.[7]

After leaving her post as culture minister, Cheng worked on a translation of The Little Prince to Chinese.[8] She served in leadership roles for a number of nonprofit organizations, including the General Association of Chinese Culture [zh].[9]

Vice premiership

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On 10 April 2024, president-elect Lai Ching-te designated Cheng as the vice premier of Taiwan.[10][11]

Notes

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  1. ^ Republic of China is commonly known as Taiwan

References

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  1. ^ "Cheng Li-chun (8)". Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  2. ^ "Cheng Li-chun (9)". Legislative Yuan. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  3. ^ Su, Fang-ho; Chuang, Meng-hsuan; Lin, Liang-sheng (2 February 2016). "New lawmakers walk red carpet for new session". Taipei Times. Retrieved 2 February 2016.
  4. ^ "More Cabinet lineup announced". Central News Agency. 12 April 2016.
  5. ^ "Additional future Cabinet members announced by DPP". Taipei Times. 13 April 2016.
  6. ^ Lin, Sean (28 April 2017). "Minister proposes historic sites and media projects". Taipei Times. Retrieved 28 April 2017.
  7. ^ Ku, Chuan; Yu, Matt; Yeh, Joseph (19 May 2020). "Minor Cabinet reshuffle announced ahead of Tsai's new term". Central News Agency. Retrieved 20 May 2020.
  8. ^ Chiu, Tsu-yin; Liu, Kay (3 June 2022). "Ex-culture minister, French senator discuss power of children's literature". Central News Agency. Retrieved 3 June 2022. Cheng, meanwhile, said that her recent translation of "Le Petit Prince," by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, into a new Chinese version and an audio book had led her to reflect on whether people can reconnect with their innocence, in a world full of confusion.
  9. ^ Yeh, Joseph; Teng, Pei-ju (10 April 2024). "President-elect Lai appoints ex-DPP chair Cho Jung-tai as premier (update)". Central News Agency. Retrieved 10 April 2024.
  10. ^ "Premier Chen welcomes new Cabinet appointments under President-elect Lai". Radio Taiwan International. 9 April 2024. Retrieved 10 April 2024.
  11. ^ Everington, Keoni (10 April 2024). "Taiwan President-elect Lai names top Cabinet picks". Taiwan News. Retrieved 10 April 2024.