Chen Sisheng

Chen Sisheng (; 1893 – August 3, 1953) was a Chinese industrialist, social activist, and one of the founders of the China Association for Promoting Democracy. He served as a member of the East China Military and Administrative Committee and deputy director of its People's Supervisory Committee. Chen was also a standing committee member of the first council of the China Association for Promoting Democracy.

Biography Chen Sisheng was born in 1893 in Yanguan, Haining, Zhejiang Province, into a scholarly family. His early education was influenced by his uncle, who arranged for him to receive traditional instruction, reportedly including guidance from Wang Guowei. After the early death of his father, Chen was forced to leave school and seek employment in Shanghai, where he worked first as an apprentice in a foreign goods shop and later in the printing industry at the Commercial Press. During this period, he joined the YMCA and was influenced by Christian ideals of philanthropy and mutual aid.

In the 1920s, Chen became active in social and religious organizations. In 1924, while serving as a secretary of the YMCA in Zhengzhou, he became acquainted with Feng Yuxiang. In 1927, he traveled to Europe and the United States for study and returned to China three years later with a degree from Harvard University. He subsequently served as assistant general secretary of the National Committee of the YMCA in China.

Following the Mukden Incident in 1931, Chen turned toward industrial and commercial activities as a means of national salvation. In 1934, he entered the business sector as deputy manager of the Ping An Steamship Company in Shanghai. During the Battle of Shanghai in 1937, he participated in relief efforts for refugees alongside figures such as Zhao Puchu, organizing shelters and humanitarian assistance. After the Japanese occupation of Shanghai, he continued his social work despite pressure from Japanese authorities.

During the Second Sino-Japanese War, Chen was involved in patriotic and united front activities. In 1941, he secretly joined the Chinese Communist Party after a period of observation by underground Party organizations. Using his positions in business, religious, and social circles, he provided cover and assistance for underground Communist activities, including financial support and logistical coordination. In 1944, he served as general manager of a factory that became an important base for underground operations in Shanghai.

In 1945, Chen participated in the founding of both the China Democratic National Construction Association and the China Association for Promoting Democracy in Shanghai, becoming a key organizer in their early activities. In September 1949, he attended the first plenary session of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference as a representative, together with his son Chen Zhenzhong, and was elected as a member of the first CPPCC National Committee. On October 1, 1949, he was present at the founding ceremony of the People's Republic of China in Beijing.

After 1949, Chen focused on work in the industrial and commercial sectors and in united front organizations. During the Korean War, he led a delegation to visit the front lines in Korea, offering support to the People's Volunteer Army and the Korean People's Army. Despite suffering from serious illness, he continued his work until he was hospitalized in July 1953 and diagnosed with advanced rectal cancer. He died on August 3, 1953, at the age of 60.