TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Former Defense Minister Lee Tien-yu (李天羽) passed away Thursday (Dec. 12) morning at Tri-Service General Hospital (三軍總醫院), aged 79. Lee, born in 1946, graduated from the Air Force Academy (空軍官校) and held several key positions, including Air Force General (空軍總司令) and Chief of the General Staff (參謀總長). In 2007, then-President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) appointed him Defense Minister.
Lee played a significant role in joint operations and national defense, driving the reorganization of defense structures and forces. Under his leadership, Taiwan's second-generation fighter jets, including the Mirage 2000, AIDC F-CK-1 Ching-kuo (經國號), and F-16 Fighting Falcon, were successfully upgraded. Lee received the military service medal from then-President Chen Shui-bian, recognizing his contributions to military preparedness and defense.
However, Lee resigned as Defense Minister in February 2008 amid controversies surrounding the establishment of Taiwan Goal Company (鐽震公司), a platform intended for defense resource integration and international military trade. Lee requested a simple funeral with no memorial hall or public mourning. His ashes will be at the Bitan (碧潭) Air Force Cemetery.
