"Dragon Lady," Madame Chiang Kai Shek

The Taiwanese venerate the father of their country, Chiang Kai Shek, the same way that Americans venerate George Washington. But I was more intrigued by his wife, the beautiful and powerful "Dragon Lady." Meiling Soong was arguably the most politically powerful woman of the 20th century. Daughter of a former Methodist minister, she was educated in America and spoke flawless English with a southern accent.

Meiling's mother vehemently opposed her marriage to Chiang Kai Shek. She finally agreed after Chiang showed proof of his divorce and promised to convert to Christianity (which he did). Together the couple ruled first China and then Taiwan for nearly 50 years. Her husband was the "strong man," but Meiling was the strategist and visionary of the operation. She was extremely ambitious and skillfully wielded great influence both in her homeland and abroad.

At a time when women, and especially Chinese women, were confined to the home, Meiling was an international diplomat and initiated numerous political and social reforms within her nation. Her biography is almost beyond belief! Most importantly, she was the chief advocate for Christianity in her homeland, thereby profoundly shaping the future of both China and Taiwan. She was altogether a truly amazing woman!