Wu’s well-known talent for articulate, impassioned expression was evident in his student days at National Taiwan University (NTU) 國立臺灣大學, where he majored in history. An essay he penned for publication in the student periodical University News 大學新聞, where he served as president and editor-in-chief from 1968 to 1969, prompted the future ROC President Chiang Ching-kuo 蔣經國 to urge him to “serve the people and the nation.”

Taking these words to heart, after graduating from NTU in 1970 and completing his military service, he worked as a journalist for the China Times 中國時報 (1971-1973), where he became known for his accurate reporting and insightful commentary. And at age 25, he stood for and won a seat in the Taipei City Council (1973-1983), becoming one of its youngest members. During his time on the City Council, he also worked as an editorial writer at the China Times, providing his opinions on current political issues.

During his eight years as a councilman, Wu was resolute in holding not only himself but also fellow politicians and public servants to a high standard of integrity. With respect to misconduct by a certain city official, for example, he asserted that bending the law is even more reprehensible than corruption. As he has often done in his political career, Wu cited an ancient historical work in support of his contention that although secretly taking bribes violates the law, the law nevertheless survives; whereas when officials publicly manipulate the law with impunity, the law dies. The mayor and future president, Lee Teng-hui 李登輝, agreed and disciplined the official in question.

Wu’s direct, energetic style of keeping informed of problems and resolving them is illustrated by his practice, both as Nantou County magistrate (1981-1989) and as Kaohsiung City 高雄市 mayor (1990-1998), of throwing his doors open to the public once a week to listen to public complaints. If the government staff under his supervision failed to provide clear answers to citizens’ questions or propose satisfactory solutions to their problems, he took the initiative to do so himself, which made him very popular with the public.

Further illustrating his penchant for openness and direct interaction with the people he works for and with, Wu sometimes went out to meet with local residents to discuss issues of special importance. This proved to be a highly effective approach, for example, in the implementation of vital infrastructure programs such as the construction of parks, university campuses, hospitals, and waste incinerators, and in the laying of water mains and sewers.

As premier of the ROC (2009-2012), Wu demonstrated exceptional ability in tackling tough issues such as economic stimulus measures, post-Typhoon Morakot reconstruction and the H1N1 virus outbreak. Underscoring his commitment to promoting the welfare of the people, the premier declared the main objective of his Cabinet to be the creation of an environment in which citizens can live secure, happy and healthy lives, and where the fruits of economic growth are shared by all.

Toward that end, Premier Wu directed government agencies to step up efforts to increase employment and raise salary levels, provide more affordable housing, encourage young people to start families, improve care for the elderly, and narrow the gap between rich and poor. Keenly aware that Taiwan cannot hope to pursue such domestic goals in isolation from global problems—including the exacerbation of natural disasters by climate change, the cross-border spread of potentially lethal diseases, and instabilities in the global financial system—Wu also stressed the imperative for all government departments to remain abreast of changing global trends.

In mid-2011, Wu was tapped as the running mate to incumbent President Ma Ying-jeou in the latter’s bid for re-election. The KMT ticket scored a solid victory in the January 2012 contest. Before his inauguration as vice president, Wu attended the Boao Forum for Asia in mainland China’s Hainan Province in April 2012 in his capacity as chief advisor to the Taiwan-based Cross-Straits Common Market Foundation. At the meeting, he and other leaders from around Asia focused on promoting the healthy and sustainable development of the regional economy.

Wu was inaugurated on May 20, 2012 as the 13th-term vice president of the ROC. Drawing on his vast experience, Wu will continue to champion the cause of the common person, stand by the President to help lead the nation toward increased competitiveness, and endeavor to advance Taiwan’s interests in the world community.

Wu’s well-known talent for articulate, impassioned expression was evident in his student days at National Taiwan University (NTU) 國立臺灣大學, where he majored in history. An essay he penned for publication in the student periodical University News 大學新聞, where he served as president and editor-in-chief from 1968 to 1969, prompted the future ROC President Chiang Ching-kuo 蔣經國 to urge him to “serve the people and the nation.”

Taking these words to heart, after graduating from NTU in 1970 and completing his military service, he worked as a journalist for the China Times 中國時報 (1971-1973), where he became known for his accurate reporting and insightful commentary. And at age 25, he stood for and won a seat in the Taipei City Council (1973-1983), becoming one of its youngest members. During his time on the City Council, he also worked as an editorial writer at the China Times, providing his opinions on current political issues.

During his eight years as a councilman, Wu was resolute in holding not only himself but also fellow politicians and public servants to a high standard of integrity. With respect to misconduct by a certain city official, for example, he asserted that bending the law is even more reprehensible than corruption. As he has often done in his political career, Wu cited an ancient historical work in support of his contention that although secretly taking bribes violates the law, the law nevertheless survives; whereas when officials publicly manipulate the law with impunity, the law dies. The mayor and future president, Lee Teng-hui 李登輝, agreed and disciplined the official in question.

Wu’s direct, energetic style of keeping informed of problems and resolving them is illustrated by his practice, both as Nantou County magistrate (1981-1989) and as Kaohsiung City 高雄市 mayor (1990-1998), of throwing his doors open to the public once a week to listen to public complaints. If the government staff under his supervision failed to provide clear answers to citizens’ questions or propose satisfactory solutions to their problems, he took the initiative to do so himself, which made him very popular with the public.

Further illustrating his penchant for openness and direct interaction with the people he works for and with, Wu sometimes went out to meet with local residents to discuss issues of special importance. This proved to be a highly effective approach, for example, in the implementation of vital infrastructure programs such as the construction of parks, university campuses, hospitals, and waste incinerators, and in the laying of water mains and sewers.

As premier of the ROC (2009-2012), Wu demonstrated exceptional ability in tackling tough issues such as economic stimulus measures, post-Typhoon Morakot reconstruction and the H1N1 virus outbreak. Underscoring his commitment to promoting the welfare of the people, the premier declared the main objective of his Cabinet to be the creation of an environment in which citizens can live secure, happy and healthy lives, and where the fruits of economic growth are shared by all.

Toward that end, Premier Wu directed government agencies to step up efforts to increase employment and raise salary levels, provide more affordable housing, encourage young people to start families, improve care for the elderly, and narrow the gap between rich and poor. Keenly aware that Taiwan cannot hope to pursue such domestic goals in isolation from global problems—including the exacerbation of natural disasters by climate change, the cross-border spread of potentially lethal diseases, and instabilities in the global financial system—Wu also stressed the imperative for all government departments to remain abreast of changing global trends.

In mid-2011, Wu was tapped as the running mate to incumbent President Ma Ying-jeou in the latter’s bid for re-election. The KMT ticket scored a solid victory in the January 2012 contest. Before his inauguration as vice president, Wu attended the Boao Forum for Asia in mainland China’s Hainan Province in April 2012 in his capacity as chief advisor to the Taiwan-based Cross-Straits Common Market Foundation. At the meeting, he and other leaders from around Asia focused on promoting the healthy and sustainable development of the regional economy.

Wu was inaugurated on May 20, 2012 as the 13th-term vice president of the ROC. Drawing on his vast experience, Wu will continue to champion the cause of the common person, stand by the President to help lead the nation toward increased competitiveness, and endeavor to advance Taiwan’s interests in the world community.