Shih Ming-teh | Today's AI Wiki

1. Overview

Shih Ming-teh (施明德_{Shī Míngdé}^Chinese), widely known as Nori Shih, was a pivotal Taiwanese politician and human rights defender who played an instrumental role in Taiwan's transition from authoritarian rule to a vibrant multi-party democracy. Born in Japanese Taiwan, Shih dedicated over 25 years of his life as a political prisoner due to his unwavering commitment to Taiwan's independence and democratic reforms. His activism, particularly his leadership in the Tangwai and the Kaohsiung Incident, significantly challenged the Kuomintang's one-party rule and paved the way for democratic freedoms. After his release, he continued his political engagement, serving as Chairman of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and a legislator. He later gained prominence for leading the "Million Voices Against Corruption" campaign, demonstrating his persistent advocacy for good governance and accountability. Despite facing various controversies, Shih is remembered as a courageous figure who significantly shaped Taiwan's political landscape, often compared to Nelson Mandela for his enduring struggle for freedom and human rights.

2. Early Life and Background

Shih Ming-teh's early life was marked by the socio-political climate of Taiwan under Japanese rule and the subsequent Kuomintang authoritarianism, which profoundly influenced his path towards political activism.

2.1. Birth and Childhood

Shih Ming-teh was born on January 15, 1941, in Takao City, Takao Prefecture, during the period of Taiwan under Japanese rule. His father, Shih Kuo-tsui, was a respected practitioner of Traditional Chinese medicine. In February 1947, at a young age, Shih Ming-teh witnessed the tragic events at Kaohsiung Station that became part of the larger February 28 Incident. This massacre, where student leaders were charged as instigators and some executed amid riots, deeply impacted his perception of the ruling Kuomintang. Students seized weapons from the Harbor Garrison and exchanged fire with guards, an event that highlighted the brutal suppression of dissent.

2.2. Education and Early Career

Shih entered Kaohsiung's Chung-Cheng Senior High in 1957. After failing his college entrance exam in 1959, he joined the Republic of China Army, successfully passing the admission exams for the artillery school. He graduated from the artillery school in 1961, becoming an army second lieutenant and serving as an artillery observation officer in Kinmen. During this early period, Shih publicly expressed his intent to overthrow the Kuomintang government through an armed coup d'état as an army officer, signaling his early commitment to political change. At the age of 19, his girlfriend gave birth to his daughter.

3. Political Persecution and Imprisonment

Shih Ming-teh endured extensive periods of imprisonment, totaling over 25 years, due to his persistent activism against the authoritarian Kuomintang regime. His incarceration became a symbol of resilience and a catalyst for the democratization movement.

3.1. First Imprisonment (1962-1977)

In 1962, at the age of 21, Shih was arrested for alleged involvement in the "Formosa Independence Movement," a study group he was accused of forming with the intention of overthrowing the Kuomintang government. More than 30 alleged accomplices, mostly army school and university students, were also arrested, including his two brothers, poet and painter Shih Ming-cheng and medical school student Shih Ming-hsiung. In 1964, Shih was sentenced to life imprisonment and stripped of his civil rights for life for orchestrating the independence movement. At 22, he suffered physical abuse in prison, leading to the loss of his teeth and spinal damage. The Kuomintang regime considered Shih a highly dangerous political criminal and prevented him from engaging in forced labor that would allow him contact with the outside world. This isolation, however, afforded him time to engage in extensive self-study, focusing on philosophy, history, international law, linguistics, and Japanese, which helped him develop a strong and resolute personality.

In the 1970s, Taiwan's international standing suffered setbacks, including the loss of its United Nations seat to the People's Republic of China and the severance of official ties with the United States. Amidst this, a rebellion was planned in the Taiyuan prison, where many inmates were political prisoners. Their goals included gaining access to the Taitung radio station and publicly declaring Taiwan's independence from China. Many pro-independence prisoners participated in the plot. On February 8, 1970, five prisoners murdered a guard and attempted to take his gun, eventually breaking out only to be caught shortly after. The Kuomintang believed Shih was one of the masterminds of this uprising, leading to his continued isolation during his time in Taiyuan.

In 1974, after 12 years of imprisonment, Shih's first wife, Chen Li-chu, sought a divorce, having had an affair with one of Shih's friends who had been released earlier. In 1975, following the death of President Chiang Kai-shek, his son Chiang Ching-kuo succeeded him as KMT Chairman and implemented a leniency policy. On June 16, 1977, Shih was released after serving 15 years of his life sentence.

3.2. Kaohsiung Incident and Second Imprisonment (1979-1990)

After his release, Shih promptly joined the Tangwai (黨外_{literally meaning "outside the party"}^Chinese), a movement that challenged the Kuomintang's single-party rule. He became a reporter for the Liberty Times and married American researcher Linda Gail Arrigo. In May 1979, this group of non-Kuomintang activists established the Meilitao Magazine, with Shih named as its general manager. It was during this time that he adopted the English nickname "Nori," derived from the Japanese pronunciation (Akinori) of the second Chinese character of his given name, "Teh." This nickname was perceived by some as a subtle nod to the Hokkien migrants who had a more positive view of Japanese colonization, contrasting with the views of Waishengren (mainlanders whose ancestors fought the Japanese).

On December 10, 1979, the Tangwai group organized a rally in Kaohsiung to commemorate Human Rights Day. The event, which operated without prior approval and with specific stipulations against torches and weapons, led to clashes between police and protestors. This incident, known as the Kaohsiung Incident (also called the Formosa Incident or Meilitao Incident), became a critical milestone in Taiwan's democratization process. Three days later, an arrest warrant was issued charging Shih with treason. He dramatically escaped for 26 days, during which dentist Chang Wen-ying performed plastic surgery on him to alter his appearance for potential escape overseas. However, Shih was caught along with the dentist and sentenced to life in prison for the second time. During the 1980 Meilitao Incident trials, Shih remained defiant. He declared, "Taiwan should be independent, in fact, it already is, it has been for 30 years and currently it is known as the Republic of China." He also demanded an end to the Kuomintang's political monopoly, press control, and martial law, advocating for the dissolution of the "Ten-thousand-year Congress" (a long-serving legislative body).

3.3. Hunger Strikes and Resistance

Shih Ming-teh engaged in significant acts of protest and resistance during his incarcerations, notably through prolonged hunger strikes. In 1983, following the alleged assassination of his ally Chen Wen-chen, Shih began a one-month hunger strike to protest what he believed was a secret police-ordered murder. In 1984, Polish union leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Lech Wałęsa nominated Shih Ming-teh for the Nobel Peace Prize, recognizing his struggle.

In 1985, Shih commenced an indefinite hunger strike, demanding an end to martial law and state-sponsored political murders, the implementation of a democratic system, and the release of all political prisoners from the Meilitao Incident. During his four and a half years of protest, he was sent to the Tri-Service General Hospital and underwent force-feeding through a nasogastric tube. On July 15, 1987, the Kuomintang government, under President Chiang Ching-kuo, lifted the 38-year-long martial law and offered Shih an amnesty, which he famously refused, insisting on his innocence. In 1988, he initiated another hunger strike with his brother, Shih Ming-cheng, who tragically died on August 23, 1988. Shih Ming-teh, however, survived.

On May 20, 1990, the new president Lee Teng-hui assumed office and ordered a special amnesty for all Meilitao Incident prisoners. Shih initially tore up his amnesty document, demanding an unconditional release as an innocent person. Only after President Lee announced the invalidation of the Meilitao Trials did Shih Ming-teh accept his release. In total, he spent 25 years in prison, including 13 years in solitary confinement and over 4 years on hunger strike, showcasing his extraordinary resilience and unwavering commitment to democratic ideals.

4. Democratization Movement and Activism

Shih Ming-teh's contributions to Taiwan's democratization movement were profound, marked by his leadership in challenging authoritarianism and advocating for human rights and social justice.

4.1. Tangwai Movement Involvement

Upon his release from his first imprisonment in 1977, Shih Ming-teh promptly became active in the Tangwai (outside the party) movement. This movement was a loose coalition of non-Kuomintang activists who, despite the absence of freedom of association and the Kuomintang's status as the only legally existing political party, sought to challenge its one-party rule and push for democratic reforms. In September 1978, Shih became a prominent figure, and in May 1979, he was named general manager of the Meilitao Magazine, a key publication for the movement. He was instrumental in organizing the diverse opposition forces, conceptualizing a "party without a name" to unite various "Tangwai" factions, and advocating for full legislative re-elections and comprehensive local government elections. In 1978, at the request of Huang Hsin-chieh, Shih served as the secretary-general of the "Taiwan Tangwai Election Support Group," actively supporting candidates like Lu Hsiu-lien and Yao Chia-wen. He also formed the influential "Five-Person Small Group" (五人小組_{Five-Person Small Group}^Chinese) with future DPP leaders like Hsu Hsin-liang, Chang Chun-hung, Lin Yi-hsiung, and Yao Chia-wen, which became central to the Meilitao Group, significantly shaping the direction of the Tangwai movement. In January 1979, he led Taiwan's first post-war political demonstration, defending political activists persecuted by the KMT.

4.2. Leadership in the Kaohsiung Incident

Shih Ming-teh's leadership reached a critical point with the Kaohsiung Incident on December 10, 1979. He was a primary organizer of the rally held to commemorate Human Rights Day in Kaohsiung City. Despite strict government prohibitions and clashes with police, the demonstration proceeded, drawing a large number of participants and intensifying the call for democratic reforms. The subsequent crackdown by the Kuomintang, which led to the arrest and imprisonment of Shih and other prominent Tangwai figures, paradoxically galvanized the opposition. His defiant stance during his second trial, where he asserted Taiwan's de facto independence and demanded an end to KMT political monopoly, press control, and martial law, underscored the incident's profound significance as a turning point in Taiwan's democratic transition. The Kaohsiung Incident exposed the brutality of the authoritarian regime and unified disparate opposition forces, laying the groundwork for the eventual formation of the Democratic Progressive Party.

4.3. Million Voices Against Corruption Campaign (2006)

In 2006, Shih Ming-teh initiated and led the large-scale "Million Voices Against Corruption, President Chen Must Go" campaign, a major protest aimed at forcing President Chen Shui-bian to resign amidst corruption allegations against his aides, wife, and son-in-law. Ironically, Chen Shui-bian had served as Shih's defense attorney after the Kaohsiung Incident.

On August 9, 2006, Shih penned an open letter to President Chen, urging his resignation as a demonstration of strength, respect for public opinion, and acknowledgment of wrongdoing. On August 12, Shih launched the campaign with a keynote speech in the February 28 Incident Memorial Park, asserting that the public could no longer tolerate the widespread corruption. He called for a symbolic donation of 100 TWD (approximately 3 USD or 2.3 EUR) from supporters to signify their commitment. Within seven days, over one million times the base donation amount was received, demonstrating significant public backing and prompting the swift closure of the designated account to prepare for the marathon protest.

The sit-in protest commenced on September 9, 2006, on a rainy day in front of the Presidential Building on Ketagalan Avenue in Taipei. Organizers claimed over 300,000 participants, while the Taipei Police Department estimated 90,000. Most protestors wore red shirts, and organizers requested no controversial flags or political icons, including the Republic of China flag, to be displayed, although some individuals still brought small ROC flags. On September 15, after a Democratic Progressive Party Taipei city counselor booked the Ketagalan Boulevard site, Shih moved the protest to Taipei Railway Station. That night, a climax was reached as a vast perimeter of over 3.4 mile ^{(5.5 km)} around the Presidential Building was flooded by peaceful red-clad protestors. The China Post reported over 800,000 people, while Taipei Police estimated 300,000.

Shih declared on September 22 that he would not form a new political party nor engage in political negotiations, specifically refusing talks with former president Lee Teng-hui, choosing instead to remain with the red-clad protestors. On November 20, 2006, he urged then-Taipei City Mayor Ma Ying-jeou (the Kuomintang's 2008 presidential hopeful) to resign amid corruption accusations, emphasizing that there should be no double standards regarding such allegations. Ma was later acquitted. The "Million Voices Against Corruption, Chen Must Go Campaign" concluded its main public protests on November 30, 2006. Shih continued his protest alone in "self-reclusion" at a nearby apartment, ending it on April 1, 2007, and announcing plans for a second stage of the anti-Chen campaign, including presenting candidates for the next legislative elections.

5. Political Career

After his release from his second imprisonment, Shih Ming-teh immediately re-entered the political arena, contributing significantly to the newly legalized opposition.

5.1. Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Activities

Upon regaining his freedom in 1990, Shih joined the now-legal Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which had originated from the Tangwai movement he had been instrumental in leading. In 1991, he ran for the 5th DPP chairmanship election but narrowly lost to Hsu Hsin-liang by 15 votes. From 1994 to 1996, Shih was elected Chairman of the Democratic Progressive Party, following Hsu Hsin-liang. During his tenure, he declared that "Taiwan is already an independent and sovereign nation; when the Democratic Progressive Party is in power, there is no need and it will not announce Taiwan's independence," a statement reflecting a pragmatic approach to Taiwan's status. He also actively pursued a political and social "Grand Reconciliation" in Taiwan, seeking to bridge political and social divides. He opened the DPP's liaison office in the United States to clarify the party's stance on Taiwan independence. He even advocated for the return of Kinmen and Matsu Islands to mainland China, sparking strong opposition from various quarters.

Following the defeat of the DPP's presidential candidate, Peng Ming-min, in Taiwan's first direct presidential election on March 23, 1996, Shih Ming-teh resigned from his position as party chief, taking responsibility for the outcome. Chang Chun-hung then assumed the role of acting leader.

5.2. Legislative Yuan Tenure

Shih Ming-teh was elected as a legislator (Member of the Legislative Yuan, MLY) for the Tainan County constituency in 1992. This election marked Taiwan's first free direct legislative elections. He was re-elected for subsequent terms in 1995 and 1998, representing a Taipei City constituency in the latter. In 1996, he ran for the presidency of the Legislative Yuan, advocating for a "February Political Reform" led by the DPP, but he lost to the Kuomintang's Liu Sung-pan by a narrow margin of 81 to 82 votes, notably gaining a vote from the New Party but losing one from a fellow DPP legislator, Chang Chin-cheng.

During his legislative tenure, Shih shifted his focus to completing the "Meilitao Oral History Records." Over three years, he individually interviewed 200 individuals across the political spectrum, amassing over 6 million words of oral testimonies. This extensive research was edited into a four-volume, 600,000-word publication. This project is considered the most comprehensive historical research of the 1970-1990 era in Taiwan's development and earned a publishing prize. This monumental task was achieved solely through Shih's personal efforts and financial resources, without assistance from the Democratic Progressive Party or the Taiwanese government. On April 1, 1997, Shih was indicted for violating the Mass Gathering and Demonstration Act, related to a 1992 protest he organized demanding direct presidential elections. This resulted in his third imprisonment, alongside Huang Hsin-chieh, Hsu Hsin-liang, and Lin Yi-hsiung, for 50 days, though he was released after 41 days.

5.3. Presidential Bids and Other Political Endeavors

In 2000, after Chen Shui-bian was elected president, Shih congratulated the DPP leader Lin Yi-hsiung on the victory. He announced his departure from the DPP, stating that his childhood dream of ousting the KMT regime had been accomplished. Although Chen Shui-bian visited Shih's office to offer him a position as senior political advisor, Shih declined, instead recommending Hsu Hsin-liang for the role.

Shih criticized President Chen for leading a minority government that ignored the KMT majority in the Legislative Yuan, which he believed risked political stability. After Chen rejected his suggestion for an alliance with the opposition, Shih further distanced himself from the party. Believing that globalization was Taiwan's greatest 21st-century challenge, he co-founded the "Shan (Mountain) Alliance" with former colleagues Hsu Hsin-liang, Sisy Chen, Wen Shih-ren, and other intellectuals and entrepreneurs, aiming to create a roadmap for Taiwan's future.

Shih ran as an independent candidate twice for the Legislative Yuan, in December 2001 and December 2004. He lost both times, with 24,925 votes in the first instance and a narrow defeat with 26,974 votes in the highly contested Taipei North Constituency in the second. He had proposed a parliamentary political system to overcome political fragmentation in Taiwanese society. In December 2002, Shih also ran as a mayoral candidate for Kaohsiung City, campaigning on a platform to transform the port city into a free port like Hong Kong or Amsterdam to compete in a globalized economy, including direct maritime links with Chinese ports. Perceiving severe political division, he withdrew three days before the election.

In September 2003, Shih was a visiting scholar at George Mason University for a year. During this time, he researched his "One China: European Union Model" concept, proposing it as a solution to the impasse across the Taiwan Strait. He also reiterated his call for a constitutional amendment to adopt a parliamentary system to end the political polarization between the "blue" (Kuomintang-based) and "green" (Democratic Progressive Party-centered) camps, which he felt was exacerbating ethnic rivalry.

His continued efforts towards reconciliation led to the establishment of the "Shih Ming-teh Lecture" series at the Department of Political Science at National Taiwan University on October 6, 2005, focusing on ethnic harmony, political reconciliation, and cross-strait peace. In May 2006, the lecture series invited former State President of South Africa Frederik Willem de Klerk for a dialogue with Shih on "Maintaining Peace: South Africa's Experience, a Perspective for Taiwan?"

In May 2015, Shih announced his intention to run as an independent candidate in the 2016 Taiwanese presidential election. He reiterated his "Broad One China Framework" (大一中架構_{Dà Yī Zhōng Jiàgòu}^Chinese), first proposed in 2014, which envisioned China and Taiwan separately governing one legal entity. Under this framework, both governments would be permitted to join international organizations and commit to resolving issues through consensus rather than military force. However, Shih ended his campaign in September 2015, as he failed to meet the signature requirements set by the Central Election Commission to officially stand in the election.

6. Ideology and Stances

Shih Ming-teh's political philosophy evolved throughout his career, characterized by a persistent pursuit of democracy, human rights, and reconciliation, alongside nuanced views on Taiwan's identity and cross-strait relations.

6.1. Stance on Taiwan's Status

Shih Ming-teh held evolving but consistently strong views on Taiwan's sovereignty and cross-strait relations. During his 1980 trial after the Kaohsiung Incident, he defiantly declared, "Taiwan should be independent, in fact, it already is, it has been for 30 years and currently it is known as the Republic of China." This statement highlighted his belief in Taiwan's de facto independence even under Kuomintang rule. Later, as Chairman of the Democratic Progressive Party in the mid-1990s, he pragmatically stated that "Taiwan is already an independent and sovereign nation; when the Democratic Progressive Party is in power, there is no need and it will not announce Taiwan's independence." This position aimed to calm international concerns while maintaining the core principle of Taiwan's self-determination.

In later years, he developed the "One China: European Union Model" and the "Broad One China Framework" (大一中架構_{Dà Yī Zhōng Jiàgòu}^Chinese). This framework proposed that China and Taiwan could separately govern one legal entity, allowing both governments to participate in international organizations and committing to resolving issues through consensus rather than military force. This reflected his long-standing search for a peaceful and stable resolution to cross-strait issues, aiming to overcome the political impasse and reduce tensions.

7. Personal Life

Shih Ming-teh's personal life often intersected with his public activism, experiencing significant changes during his periods of imprisonment and political engagement. He was married twice. His first marriage was to Linda Arrigo, an American researcher, from 1978 to 1995. He later married 陳嘉君_{Gina Chen}^Chinese, who was also a social activist. Gina Chen was notably an ardent advocate for LGBTQ rights and same-sex marriage in Taiwan, and she also led the Shih Ming-teh Culture Foundation.

8. Death

Shih Ming-teh died on January 15, 2024, his 83rd birthday, at Taipei Veterans General Hospital due to cancer, following a prolonged battle with the disease. His passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from prominent Taiwanese political figures.

President-elect Lai Ching-te described Shih as a "trailblazer for democracy, a staunch defender of human rights, and a wise and courageous politician." President Tsai Ing-wen stated that the Taiwanese people would "consolidate all our endeavors and persist in building a better Taiwan," reflecting Shih's lifelong dedication to the same cause. Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an also commended Shih's advocacy for the Taiwanese people and his efforts to monitor government actions. These tributes collectively highlighted Shih Ming-teh's enduring legacy as a symbol of Taiwan's democratic aspirations and a tireless advocate for human rights.

9. Evaluation and Controversy

Shih Ming-teh's legacy is complex, marked by widespread admiration for his democratic contributions alongside various criticisms and controversies throughout his career.

9.1. Positive Assessments

Shih Ming-teh is widely recognized as a hero of Taiwan's democracy movement and a staunch defender of human rights. His courageous activism, particularly his willingness to endure over 25 years of imprisonment, including prolonged periods of solitary confinement and hunger strikes, cemented his status as a symbol of defiance against authoritarian rule. He has been referred to by some as "Taiwan's Nelson Mandela" due to his unwavering commitment to freedom and extensive incarceration.

Former Legislative Yuan secretary Kuo Wen-pin praised Shih as a visionary who made several pioneering proposals ahead of his time. Over 20 years before their eventual implementation, Shih advocated for the dismantling of the Kuomintang's political monopoly, an end to press control, the abolition of martial law, and the dissolution of the "Ten-thousand-year Congress" (a long-serving legislative body). He risked the death penalty by advocating for a "Republic of China, Taiwanese Independence Model," stating that "Taiwan is already an independent country, it has been so for over 30 years." Although initially attacked and humiliated by media, organizations, and academia for these views, his ideas were later adopted and implemented by the Democratic Progressive Party, contributing to Lee Teng-hui's "Silent Revolution" and some teachings being accepted by the Chen Shui-bian administration.

9.2. Criticisms and Controversies

Despite his heroic status, Shih Ming-teh faced criticisms and controversies throughout his life. He was often described in Taiwan media as a "romantic revolutionary," believing in his ability "to pursue unlimited aspirations and ideals under restrictive conditions." However, his former wife, Chen Li-chu, in her book The Innocent Song of a Taiwanese Woman, accused him of using her and failing in his responsibilities as a husband and father, claiming he was indifferent to their daughter. Shih Ming-teh often responded to such criticisms by stating, "I have been locked up for 25 years, where were you then?"

After his "red-shirt" movement in 2006, Shih became a subject of praise and extensive reporting by PRC-controlled media outlets, including CCTV, Phoenix TV, and People's Daily, for his efforts in discrediting the Democratic Progressive Party. In November 2006, Phoenix TV reported on Shih's plans to travel to Thailand to discuss his "red shirt" philosophy, where he also rebutted claims from the American Institute in Taiwan that the red shirts instigated violence and social upheaval. In April 2010, Chinese government-sponsored sites reported Shih's controversial claim that numerous prominent DPP leaders, including Chen Shui-bian and Hsieh Chang-ting, had been undercover agents for the Kuomintang against political dissidents in the 1980s, which reportedly caused panic within the DPP. These accusations led a former supporter and pastor of the Presbyterian Church, Wang Jie Nan, to express disappointment with Shih's actions to undermine the DPP.

In April 2011, Shih ignited controversy when he publicly asked Tsai Ing-wen to disclose her sexual orientation before her presidential bid. Despite his own support for LGBTQ rights, this request was widely condemned by major women's groups, including the Awakening Foundation, the Taiwan Women's Link, and the Taiwan Gender Equity Education Association. Tsai herself characterized the request as "surprising" and refused to respond, highlighting a perceived inconsistency in Shih's advocacy.

10. Works

Shih Ming-teh made significant intellectual contributions through his published works, including memoirs, essays, and dialogues, offering deep insights into his political thought and personal experiences.

Shih Ming-teh, 2021, "死囚_{Death Row Inmates}^Chinese - Memoir of Shih Ming-teh 1962-1964 Volume I", new edition. Taipei, China Times Publishing Co.
Shih Ming-teh, 2006, "囚室之春_{Spring in a Prison Cell}^Chinese", new edition. Taipei, Linking Books.
Shih Ming-teh, 2002, "無私的奉獻者_{The Selfless Devotee}^{Chinese (Chinese characters)}". Taipei, Commonwealth Publishing Group.
New Taiwan Foundation, 2002, "永遠的主題：施明德與魏京生對談錄_{A Timeless Theme: Dialogues Between Shih Ming-teh and Wei Jingsheng}^{Chinese (Chinese characters)}". Taipei, Linking Books.
Shih Ming-teh, 2001, "閱讀施明德_{Reading Shih Ming-teh}^{Chinese (Chinese characters)}". Taipei, New Taiwan Foundation.
Shih Ming-teh, 1992, "囚室之春：施明德散文集_{Spring in a Prison Cell: A Collection of Essays}^Chinese". Taipei, Avangard.
Shih Ming-teh, 1989, "囚室之春_{Spring in a Prison Cell}^Chinese", Kaohsiung, Tunli Publishing.
Shih Ming-teh, 1988, "施明德的政治遺囑：美麗島事件軍法大審答辯全_{Shih Ming-teh's Political Testament: The Formosa Incident Hearings}^{Chinese (Chinese characters)}". Taipei, Avanguard.
New Taiwan Foundation, 1995, "施明德國會三年_{Shih Ming-teh's Three-year Term in the Legislative Yuan}^{Chinese (Chinese characters)}". Taipei, New Taiwan Foundation.