Soong Mei-ling ( March 5, 1898 – October 23, 2003), was a Chinese political figure who was First Lady of the Republic of China, the wife of President Chiang Kai-shek . Soong played a prominent role in the politics of the Republic of China and was the sister-in-law of Sun Yat-sen, the founder and the leader of the Republic of China. She was active in the civic life of her country and held many honorary and active positions, including chairwoman of Fu Jen Catholic University. During World War 2, she rallied against the Japanese; and in 1943 conducted an eight-month speaking tour of the United States to gain support.