Wu Yi

Wu Yi is a retired Chinese politician. She was one of the country's most visible leaders during the first decade of the 21st century, best known for taking on the role of Minister of Health from April 2003 during the SARS outbreak, shortly after becoming Vice Premier of the State Council, a position she served in between March 2003 and March 2008. She was also a member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China. She has since retired and left public life. She was commonly referred to as the "iron lady" by Chinese media, and was known to be a tough negotiator internationally.