Republic of China (中華民國總統): Chiang Kai-shek (20 May 1948 - 21 January 1949) Li Zongren (January 21, 1949 - March 1, 1950) (acting) Chiang Kai-shek resigned amid losses in the Chinese Civil War. The government moved from Nanjing to Guangzhou, then to Chongqing and finally Chengdu before arriving to Taipei on 8 December 1949. Li Tsung-jen had left for the United States in November 1949 and Chiang officially resumed his powers in March 1950. This regime remained the internationally recognized true government of China with sovereignty throughout mainland China, Taiwan, Tibet Area, Sinkiang and Outer Mongolia until recognition shifted to the People's Republic of China by the United Nations in 1971 and the United States in 1979. Chiang Kai-shek (1 March 1950 - 5 April 1975) (first to fifth terms) Yen Chia-kan (6 April 1975 - 20 May 1978) (fifth term) Chiang Ching-kuo (20 May 1978 - 13 January 1988) (sixth and seventh terms) Lee Teng-hui (13 January 1988 - 20 May 1996) (seventh and eighth terms) Starting from the ninth term the president is elected by popular vote among citizens of the Republic of China in the "Free Area of the Republic of China" (area under de facto Republic of China administration), instead of by the National Assembly. Lee Teng-hui (20 May 1996 - 20 May 2000) (ninth term) Chen Shui-bian (20 May 2000 - 20 May 2008) (tenth and eleventh terms) Ma Ying-Jeou (20 May 2008 – 20 May 2016) (twelfth and thirteenth terms) Tsai Ing-wen (20 May 2016 – present) (fourteenth and fifteenth terms) See also President of the Republic of China List of presidents of the Republic of China Premier of the Republic of China History of the Republic of China Timeline of Taiwanese history Chinese heads of state Lists of leaders of China Lists of Chinese people