Lin Shih-chia (politician)

Lin studied public health at National Taiwan University and earned a master's degree in the subject from National Yang-Ming University.[1] Prior to her election to the Legislative Yuan, she was active in the Medical Professionals Alliance.[2][3] After leaving the legislature, Lin led the Peng Wan-ju Foundation.[4] In her return to the Medical Professionals Alliance, Lin took an active role in advocating for Taiwan's increased participation in the World Health Assembly.[5][6][7] Lin's editorials on the topic have appeared in the Taipei Times.[8][9]

Lin was elected as an at-large legislator representing the Taiwan Solidarity Union in January 2012.[10] She was expelled from the party in July 2013 for her support of an amendment to the Accounting Act,[11][12] losing her legislative seat to Yeh Chin-ling in August.[13] Prior to her expulsion from the legislature, Lin served as TSU caucus whip.[14][15]

As a lawmaker, Lin repeatedly denounced Chinese influence on Taiwan and elsewhere,[16][17] stating that Taiwan should share the ideals of democracy and liberty with the mainland.[18] In a March 2012 National Affairs Forum meeting, she remarked "Are we at the National or Area Affairs Forum?" indirectly criticizing the one country, two systems framework.[19] In May of that year, Lin attended a meeting of the World Health Assembly wearing a shirt that read "Taiwan is Taiwan, not China." She was then asked to leave the assembly.[20] Lin opposed the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement, signed in 2010, and the Cross-Strait Service Trade Agreement of 2013.[21][22]

Lin objected to the use of ractopamine in beef,[23] and engaged in discussions and protests about the additive's use in United States beef imports to Taiwan.[24][25][26] She proposed a related amendment granting the legislature the right to review safety levels for pesticide and drug residue in food.[27] After the Codex Alimentarius Commission revised standards for ractopamine use, Lin advised against loosening Taiwanese regulations.[28] After a case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy surfaced in the United States in April 2012, Lin proposed a ban on American beef imports in Taiwan.[29]

During her legislative tenure, Lin maintained an interest in nuclear energy,[30][31] the environment,[32] and medical care.[33][34] She made multiple attempts at legislative reform, proposing amendments to increase the influence of smaller political parties and women.[35][36][37]