Sisy Chen

1.1. Early Life and Education

Sisy Chen was born on March 25, 1958, in Luodong Township, Yilan County, Taiwan. She pursued her higher education at National Taiwan University, where she earned her LL.B. degree. Following her undergraduate studies, she traveled to the United States to continue her academic journey, undertaking doctoral studies at the University of California, Berkeley and later at the New School for Social Research in New York City. However, she did not complete her doctoral studies.

1.2. Early Career Development

In the early 1980s, Sisy Chen began her career in journalism, serving as the Vice Editor of the American Version of the China Times Daily News from 1982 to 1983. During this period, she also became actively involved in political activism, campaigning for Tangwai candidates and publishing essays that expressed opposition viewpoints. Her commitment to political reform led her to become a founding member of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in 1984. From 1985 to 1986, she served as the editor of the opposition's New Tide magazine. In the early 1990s, Chen remained engaged in Taiwanese society, participating as a member of the UN Minority Group for Asia and serving as the chairperson of the Taiwan Relations Center's office of the UN. She also worked as a producer for the Asia Department of Italian National Broadcast. In 1996, she took on the role of General Manager of Song Records.

2.1. Involvement with the Democratic Progressive Party

As a founding member of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in 1984, Sisy Chen played a significant role in the party's early development. She served as the editor of the opposition's New Tide magazine from 1985 to 1986, contributing to the party's media outreach. As her public profile grew due to her outspoken commentary, her influence within the DPP also increased, leading to her appointment as the director of the DPP Culture and Information Department. However, in 1999, Chen, an ally of Hsu Hsin-liang, departed from the DPP and subsequently emerged as one of its most vocal critics.

2.2. Legislative Yuan Tenure

In 2001, running as an independent candidate, Sisy Chen successfully secured a seat in the Legislative Yuan, representing South Taipei City. Her term as an independent member of the Legislative Yuan lasted from February 1, 2002, to January 31, 2005. During her legislative service, in 2003, she joined the legislative caucus of the People First Party (PFP) alongside Wu Cherng-dean. She chose not to seek re-election in December 2004, instead lending her support to her friend Li Ao in his successful campaign for a legislative seat.

2.3. Party Affiliations and Shifts

Sisy Chen's political journey was marked by several shifts in party affiliation and independent status. After being a founding member and holding a leadership position within the Democratic Progressive Party, she left the party in 1999 and became a prominent critic of its policies and actions. Following her departure from the DPP, she served as an independent member of the Legislative Yuan. In 2001, the same year she was elected to the legislature, she accepted a position on the board of Taiwan Television (TTV), a role that was controlled by the Kuomintang (KMT). She also became the spokesperson for the Mountain Alliance, a think tank that advocated for Cross-Strait Unification and included figures like Hsu Hsin-liang and Shih Ming-teh.

2.4. Electoral Campaigns and Political Strategy

Sisy Chen played a significant role as a political strategist, particularly for the Pan-Blue Coalition during the 2004 Republic of China presidential election. In the lead-up to the election, she participated in a notable debate with Mainland Affairs Council Chairwoman Tsai Ing-wen concerning the 2004 Republic of China national referendum held on March 20, 2004. Her strategic involvement and public commentary were key aspects of the Pan-Blue Coalition's campaign efforts.

3.1. Journalism and Commentary

Sisy Chen's career began in journalism, where she quickly developed into an outspoken and blunt commentator. Her early work included serving as the Vice Editor of the American Version of the China Times Daily News and as the editor of the opposition's New Tide magazine. She also served as the chairperson and publisher of Jingbao (勁報). She gained significant recognition for her incisive analysis and willingness to voice strong opinions on political and social issues.

3.2. Television and Radio Hosting

Sisy Chen has hosted numerous prominent television and radio programs throughout her career, many of which were characterized by their critical examination of political and social issues. These include:

• Women's Talk on TVBS, where she promoted women's issues starting in 1998.
• Wen Qian Xiao Mei Da (文茜小妹大), a talk show she hosted from 2002 onwards, aimed at exploring and exposing political and social issues in Taiwan.
• Wealth News (財富新聞) on Era News Channel (年代産経台).
• Jie Ma Chen Wen Qian (解碼陳文茜), a political talk show on Phoenix Television that she began hosting in 2005, specifically focusing on exposing the flaws of Taiwan's democratic system.
• UFO Dinner (飛碟午餐), a daily radio talk show on UFO Radio.
• Sisy's World News (文茜世界周報), a weekly newscast at Chung T'ien Television.

3.3. Role as a Media Figure

Sisy Chen's influential presence in media has made her a highly recognized public figure in Taiwan. Her outspoken nature and critical commentary have significantly shaped public discourse. In 1995, TVBS recognized her prominence by voting her No. 4 in its top ten list of influential figures in Taiwan. Her consistent presence across various media platforms has cemented her role as a leading voice in Taiwanese media and political commentary.

7.1. The Chen Shui-bian Shooting Incident

One of the most significant controversies involving Sisy Chen occurred on March 19, 2004, the day before the 2004 Republic of China presidential election. During a press conference, she controversially claimed that the assassination attempt on then-President Chen Shui-bian and Vice President Annette Lu earlier that day was likely staged. This assertion, made on the eve of a highly contentious election, immediately triggered strong political attacks from legislators aligned with the Pan-Blue camp. Some officials within the Pan-Blue Coalition later speculated that this early accusation might have contributed to the defeat of the Lien-Soong ticket, as it could have alienated swing voters who shifted their support to the Democratic Progressive Party out of sympathy for Chen Shui-bian. The controversy resurfaced in 2006 when Chen Shui-bian announced his intention to file a lawsuit against Sisy Chen for another statement she made, alleging that he planned to use a scheduled trip to Palau to illicitly ship valuables out of Taiwan.

7.2. Criticism of Taiwan's Democratic System

A recurring theme throughout Sisy Chen's media career has been her vocal and consistent criticism of Taiwan's democratic system. On her various television programs, particularly Jie Ma Chen Wen Qian, she frequently aired her views on what she perceived as fundamental flaws within the democratic processes and institutions of Taiwan. These criticisms often sparked debate and contributed to public discussions about governance and political accountability in the country.

7.3. Other Criticisms and Legal Issues

Beyond the Chen Shui-bian shooting incident, Sisy Chen faced other criticisms and legal challenges during her career. In 2006, then-President Chen Shui-bian announced plans to file a lawsuit against her following her public statement that he intended to use a trip to Palau to move valuables out of Taiwan. This accusation, like her earlier claims regarding the shooting incident, generated significant political backlash and highlighted the contentious nature of her commentary.

8.1. Influence on Media and Political Discourse

Sisy Chen's extensive career as a journalist, television host, and commentator has significantly influenced media and political discourse in Taiwan. Her outspoken and often critical analysis, particularly concerning the perceived flaws in Taiwan's democratic system, has shaped public opinion and fueled political debate. Her programs have served as important platforms for discussing contentious issues, thereby contributing to the dynamic nature of political dialogue in the country.

8.2. Contribution to Social Issues

In her early media work, Sisy Chen also played a role in bringing attention to specific social issues. Notably, through her hosting of Women's Talk on TVBS starting in 1998, she actively promoted and highlighted women's rights and related social concerns, contributing to public awareness and discussion on these topics.