Lin Sen

Chinese politician, 1868-1943

Lin Sen was Chairman of the National Government of the Republic of China from 1931 until his death. The Japanese invasion of Manchuria prevented the civil war from erupting, however it did cause Chiang to resign on December 15, and Lin was appointed in his place as acting president and confirmed as president. Though he had little influence on public policy, Lin was highly respected by the public as an august elder statesman who was above politics. His lack of political ambition, corruption, and nepotism was an exceedingly rare trait.