Frank Hsieh

Frank Hsieh
Name	Frank Hsieh
Native name	謝長廷
Birth date	1946-01-18
Birth place	Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Nationality	Republic of China (Taiwan)
Alma mater	National Taiwan University
Occupation	Politician, lawyer
Party	Democratic Progressive Party
Spouse	Yu Fang-chih

Frank Hsieh

Frank Hsieh is a Taiwanese politician and lawyer who served as Mayor of Kaohsiung and Premier of the Republic of China (Taiwan) from 2005 to 2006. A founding and prominent member of the Democratic Progressive Party, he has been active in Taiwan's democratization, human rights advocacy, cross-strait relations, and diplomatic affairs, including serving as a representative to Japan. Hsieh's career intersects with major figures and events such as Chen Shui-bian, Tsai Ing-wen, the Taiwan–China relations debate, and electoral contests with the Kuomintang.

Early life and education

Hsieh was born in Kaohsiung in 1946 into a family with roots in Tainan and grew up during the period of Taiwan under Republic of China rule (1945–1949). He attended local schools before matriculating at National Taiwan University where he studied law alongside contemporaries from Taiwan's emerging legal and political circles, including future judges and legislators linked to movements such as the Tangwai movement and figures like Chen Shui-bian and Annette Lu. His legal training occurred in the wider context of the White Terror era and the later democratization associated with the Kaohsiung Incident.

Legal career and entry into politics

After graduating from National Taiwan University, Hsieh practiced law in Kaohsiung and became known for human rights cases and civil liberties advocacy, working with lawyers and activists connected to organisations like the Judicial Yuan and legal scholars influenced by comparative law traditions from Japan and the United States. He entered electoral politics during the rise of the Democratic Progressive Party, running for the Legislative Yuan and aligning with colleagues such as Lu Hsiu-yi and activists from the Wild Lily student movement. His legal reputation and ties to civic groups bolstered his early campaigns against Kuomintang incumbents.

Political career in Taiwan

Hsieh served multiple terms in the Legislative Yuan and rose within the Democratic Progressive Party to national prominence. He contested the 2000 presidential primary and played a role in the DPP's coordination with leaders like Chen Shui-bian and strategists familiar with Taiwan's media landscape shaped by outlets such as the China Times and United Daily News. As Mayor of Kaohsiung (1998–2005), Hsieh pursued urban projects comparable to redevelopment initiatives seen in cities like Taichung and Taipei, negotiated with infrastructure stakeholders including the MRT planners, and engaged in cultural diplomacy resonant with festivals in Tainan and sister-city ties with municipalities such as San Diego.

Premiership (2005–2006)

Appointed Premier by President Chen Shui-bian in early 2005, Hsieh presided over the Executive Yuan amid tensions over cross-strait policy, legislative stalemates in the Legislative Yuan, and public debates sparked by the Anti-Secession Law in People's Republic of China. His cabinet confronted issues including public works funding, debates with the Ministry of Finance and the Council for Economic Planning and Development, and crises requiring coordination with agencies like the Central Weather Administration and disaster response teams tied to past events such as the 921 earthquake. Hsieh resigned in early 2006 following a series of political setbacks and reshuffles involving figures like Su Tseng-chang and Yu Shyi-kun.

2008 presidential campaign and later political roles

Hsieh secured the DPP nomination for the 2008 presidential election, running against the Kuomintang ticket led by Ma Ying-jeou. The campaign addressed issues of cross-strait engagement, trade pacts reminiscent of later talks like the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement, and Taiwan's international space in forums such as the United Nations and the World Health Organization. After defeat, Hsieh continued to serve in party leadership, worked on DPP strategy with figures like Tsai Ing-wen, and later accepted diplomatic appointments, including serving as Taiwan's representative to Japan during a period of regional challenges involving actors such as China and partnerships with nations like the United States and Australia.

Policies and political positions

Hsieh's positions combined advocacy for Taiwanese identity and pragmatic engagement with China through confidence-building and negotiated arrangements; he supported social policies aligned with DPP platforms on civil liberties and transitional justice linked to institutions like the Transitional Justice Commission. On economic policy he emphasized urban development and infrastructure investment, engaging ministries such as the Ministry of Economic Affairs and agencies concerned with cross-strait trade issues. Hsieh favored international participation for Taiwan in organisations like the World Health Organization and maintained cooperative ties with democracies including Japan and United States partners while opposing unilateral moves that risked escalation with People's Republic of China authorities.

Personal life and honors

Hsieh is married to Yu Fang-chih and has family ties in southern Taiwan, participating in cultural events in Kaohsiung and supporting initiatives with universities such as National Sun Yat-sen University and National Cheng Kung University. Over his career he has received recognitions from municipal bodies and civic organisations; his public service has been noted in Taiwanese media outlets like the China Times and international coverage from agencies including Reuters and the BBC. He continues to be cited in discussions involving DPP leaders and Taiwan's diplomatic strategies with partners like Japan and the United States.

Category:1946 births Category:Living people Category:Taiwanese politicians Category:Democratic Progressive Party (Taiwan) politicians Category:Mayors of Kaohsiung