Taiwan may be a democracy today but it wasn't always this way. Writer and historian Mark O'Neill spent some years in Taipei during the 1980s -- he covers that period in his latest book in a chat with I-C-R-T's Hope Ngo.
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Historian Mark O'Neill offers a fresh take on Taiwan's turbulent past

Taiwan is patchwork quilt of diverse, motiving personalities. Here, we have politicians who make history, entrepreneurs whose innovations help keep the global economy afloat, and artists who explore creativity in fascinating, inspiring ways. Taiwan Talk shows its listeners the unique perspectives of Taiwan all over the world. From those at home, those abroad, and those who’ve chosen to make this island their home. 

Taiwan Talk airs on ICRT FM100 at 8am, and in the evening in the 6pm news hour. 

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German director Stefan Kaegi likens the production of his play "This is not an Embassy (Made in Taiwan)" to a diplomatic process -- one involving constant negotiation between different protagonists. He speaks to I-C-R-T's Hope Ngo about what inspired him to write the play, and how he chose to go about telling the story of a country he has not really lived in for an extended period of time, but which he has learned to love.
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The story behind "This is not an Embassy (Made in Taiwan)" from German director Stefan Kaegi

History has no better teachers than the eyewitnesses that watch it unfold and are "in the room when it happens." This unaired episode of Taiwan Talk is an eyewitness account presenting former Control Yuan and Foreign Minister Fredrick Chien's memories and insights of what transpired after the U-S announced it was derecognizing the ROC (Taiwan). Chien walks us through some of the negotiations and events that took place; and reintroduces us to key historical figures of the time including the last U.S. Ambassador to the ROC, Leonard S. Unger who was appointed in 1974 and Warren Christopher, who served as former U.S. President Jimmy Carter's official emissary who led negotiations between Washington and Taipei.

Chien also talks about the roles of ROC Foreign Minister Shen Chang-huan who resigned after the U.S. announcement; Victor Wei-Jen Hu who was Private Secretary to the Foreign Minister H.E. Chang-Huan Shen; and GIO director James Soong in the complicated unwinding of diplomatic ties with an important ally. The former diplomat even shares the late President Chiang Ching-kuo's reaction to the events which continues to shape much of Taiwan 's internal and external policies today.

This interview is presented as part of I.C.R.T's 45th birthday celebrations. A shorter version which aired on April 15, 2024 is also available to download.
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In The Room When it Happened: Fmr Foreign Minister Fredrick Chien on when the U.S. Derecognized the R.O.C. (Taiwan) - An Oral History

Former Control Yuan President and Foreign Minister Fredrick Chien shares his memories and insights into the hours and days in the aftermath of the US decision to derecognize the Republic of China (Taiwan), in favor of the People's Republic of China. His discourse reintroduces listeners to several key personalities, including the last U.S. Ambassador to the ROC, Leonard S. Unger who was appointed in 1974; ROC Foreign Minister Shen Chang-huan who resigned after the U.S. announcement; Victor Wei-Jen Hu Private Secretary to the Foreign Minister H.E. Chang-Huan Shen; and GIO director James Soong. A longer version of the interview is also available for history buffs who might wish to hear a more complete narrative of what transpired among those who were"in the room where it happened."

The interview was done as part of I-C-R-T's 45th birthday celebrations.
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Fmr. Foreign Minster Fredrick Chien: When the U.S. Ended Formal Ties with the R.O.C. (Taiwan) - on air version

Jonathan Lin (林沛祥) comes from a family of politicians. But it took the urging of students involved in the Sunflower Movement to entice him to run for a seat in the Legislative Yuan. He tells I-C-R-T's Hope Ngo how that unfolded, and what it means for him to be a freshman lawmaker representing Keelung as part of the opposition KMT.
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KMT lawmaker Jonathan Lin (林沛祥) on how the Sunflower Movement Inspired his Entry into Politics

I-C-R-T's John Seaward chats with Oscar-nominated documentary maker, S. Leo Chiang about what inspired him to put his thoughts into a film that caught the attention of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

You can find the documentary short here.
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Historian Mark O'Neill offers a fresh take on Taiwan's turbulent past

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