Until the election of Tsai Ing-wen, the office was seen as a stepping stone to the presidency: presidents Lee Teng-hui, Chen Shui-bian and Ma Ying-jeou have all held this position prior to being elected president.
The office was seen as preparatory for the presidency: presidents Lee Teng-hui, Chen Shui-bian, and Ma Ying-jeou had all held this role before being elected president.