Taipei Veterans General Hospital today rebutted speculation that former Taiwan President Lee Teng-hui died a day earlier, saying he was weak but receiving treatment, CNA English News reports.
The hospital said the 97-year old Lee was not in good condition and needed ongoing care, but added that if there were any changes in the former president's condition, it would make those public.
The comments came after rumors emerged online yesterday that Lee had died after being hospitalized since early February. No sooner had the unsubstantiated rumors emerged than reporters flocked to the hospital seeking confirmation.
Lee was admitted to the hospital on February 8 after choking while drinking milk too quickly. The ex-president was diagnosed with pulmonary infiltration and has been intubated since then.
The hospital has been tight-lipped about Lee's condition since February, but speculation has been rife that his health has deteriorated in recent months.
A hospital source told CNA that Lee's health has been unstable for a long time, and his condition could change for the worse at any time.
The source admitted that Lee's condition has grown more unstable recently but said that his medical team is providing the care necessary to keep his issues in check.
Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen and Vice President Lai Ching-te went to the hospital to see Lee on this morning.
