Chen Shui-bian defends Hu Shih Chang against political boycott

Former President Chen Shui-bian has publicly supported the braised pork rice chain ‘Hu Shih Chang’ following a social media boycott attempt. The controversy began after the chain’s junior partner, Chang Yao-sheng, attended a supporter event for Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an. While some netizens called for a boycott, the company issued a statement clarifying that the attendance was a personal matter and did not represent the brand's official stance.

Chen Shui-bian shared a photo from his 2004 presidential inauguration day, noting that he ate at Hu Shih Chang for lunch. He urged the public to separate politics from daily life, stating, “Politics is politics, just enjoy the braised pork rice.” He cautioned against using brands as political tools and noted that a business supports many families and employees regardless of political affiliation.

In response to the controversy, Mayor Chiang Wan-an expressed his support for the restaurant by posting a photo of himself eating their braised pork rice.