On January 13, 2024, Taiwan marked its 8th presidential election since the end of its one-party rule. Two days later, a pivotal figure in Taiwan’s democratic journey, Shih Ming-teh, passed away. Despite never fulfilling his ambition to become the president of Taiwan, Shih Ming-teh left this world content on his 83rd birthday, surrounded by the well-wishes of family and friends.
His life, a testament to the spirit of a “romantic revolutionary,” continues to inspire. As his daughters poignantly stated: “Our father doesn’t have a death anniversary, only a birthday. The spirit and values he defended will continue to be born and thrive in our world.”
A tribute to a democratic pioneer
The newly elected President Lai Ching-te paid homage to Shih Ming-teh, thanking him for his contributions to Taiwan and vowing to continue the legacy of love, peace, and non-violence that Shih championed. This commitment aims to strengthen Taiwan’s democratic path and uphold democratic values alongside global allies.
The resilient spirit of Shih Ming-teh
Shih Ming-teh’s life was a blend of romance and revolution, paralleling the legacy of Sun Yat-sen, the founding father of the Republic of China. Shih’s story added a chapter of romance and tenacity to the soul of Taiwan’s democracy.
The unyielding struggle
Shih Ming-teh’s enthusiasm for a brighter future was fueled by both resilience and romance. Born on January 15, 1941, during the Japanese rule of Taiwan, Shih’s father was a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner. The infamous 228 Incident of 1947, a clash between government forces and civilians, led to his father’s arrest and subsequent death when Shih was just 11. Witnessing the brutal suppression of students in Kaohsiung and the suffering of his family, these experiences became the catalyst for his lifelong pursuit of democracy and revolutionary dedication.
From military officer to political prisoner
In 1959, Shih enrolled in the Army Artillery School and was commissioned as a second lieutenant upon graduation. However, his military career was short-lived. At 22, Shih was arrested for alleged involvement in the “Taiwan Independence League case,” along with his two brothers. Tortured during interrogations, Shih was left with a mouthful of false teeth — a constant reminder of his ordeal.
In 1964, he was sentenced to life imprisonment, which was later commuted to 15 years following Chiang Kai-shek’s death in 1975. Despite these setbacks, the prison provided Shih with a sanctuary for learning, where he delved into philosophy, history, international law, linguistics, and Japanese.
The path to democracy
Upon his release in 1977, Shih joined the movement for democracy in Taiwan, which focused on lifting the party ban, ending martial law, and advocating for judicial independence. He was crucial in establishing a “party without a name” to circumvent the party ban.
In May 1979, Shih and other nonpartisan activists founded Formosa Magazine, with Shih serving as the general manager, giving a voice to the movement. On December 10, 1979, during a Human Rights Day rally in Kaohsiung, Shih acted as the commander.
The event, which led to violent clashes between the police and participants, became known as the Formosa Incident. Betrayed and captured, Shih was sentenced to death in April 1980 under the “Punishment of Rebellion Act.” International pressure, particularly from the United States, led to the commutation of his death sentence to life imprisonment.
A legacy of defiance and hope
Shih Ming-teh’s life story is one of extraordinary defiance and hope. Having been sentenced to death once and life imprisonment twice, his narrative is rare, even in the annals of world history. His unwavering commitment to democracy and his romantic vision for Taiwan’s future have left an indelible mark on the nation’s soul.
As we reflect on Shih Ming-teh’s life, we are reminded of the power of individual courage and conviction in the face of adversity. His legacy is a beacon for those fighting for democratic values and human rights worldwide. Shih Ming-teh’s spirit — a blend of romance and resilience — will forever be a part of Taiwan’s democratic soul.
See Part 1 here
