On this episode of Strait Forward, host Channing Lee explores the rich tapestry of Taiwanese culture through the lens of its world-class cuisine. Moving beyond the "clichés" of beef noodle soup (牛肉麵) and xiaolongbao (小籠包), the episode highlights how food serves as a powerful unifier and a key component of Taiwan's global soft power. 

Author and award-winning food journalist Clarissa Wei discusses her cookbook, Made in Taiwan: Recipes and Stories from the Island Nation, explaining how centuries of history—from Japanese colonial rule to post-war American influence—have created a unique culinary melting pot. The episode then moves into the kitchen as cooking instructor Ivy Chen joins Channing for a hands-on lesson in making Stir-Fried Rice Vermicelli, or Chao Mi Fen (炒米粉), teaching the essential wok techniques and "folding" methods that define authentic Taiwanese home cooking.

Strait Forward is a podcast by the Special Competitive Studies Project. 

On this episode of Strait Forward, Channing Lee is joined by Lin Jin-Chang and David Kao, among the creators of Taiwanese TV series “Zero Day Attack,” to discuss the important role that film and television play in civilian preparedness. Released in August 2025, “Zero Day Attack” depicts the grey-zone threats that the PRC poses to Taiwan and the resilience of the Taiwanese people amid the pending threat of invasion. The show is currently only available to watch in Taiwan and Japan. A former National Security Council official in Taiwan, executive producer Lin shares how he brought his decades of experience in government to the script to ensure an authentic portrayal of PRC hybrid warfare tactics. The series is the first to portray cross-strait tensions on the big screen – a topic that has long been considered a "taboo" in the entertainment industry due to the pressure of the Chinese market.

Strait Forward is a podcast by the Special Competitive Studies Project. 

On this episode of Strait Forward, host Channing Lee sits down in Taipei with Puma Shen, a member of Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan, associate professor of criminology at National Taipei University, and co-founder of Kuma Academy and Doublethink Lab. Puma breaks down the multitude of threats that Taiwanese civilians face from Beijing, ranging from traditional military coercion to the invisible battleground of cognitive warfare, their impact on domestic Taiwanese politics, and what ordinary citizens are doing to defend themselves. He discusses how the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) uses transnational repressions to intimidate the Taiwanese people, and why he believes it is important to stay strong.

Strait Forward is a podcast by the Special Competitive Studies Project. 

In this first episode of 2026, host Channing Lee rings in the new year with a look at recent events surrounding Taiwan, including a record-breaking $11 billion U.S. arms package and unannounced, large-scale PLA military exercises. Randy Shriver and Mike Kuiken, Chair and Vice Chair of the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission, join Channing to discuss the USCC’s 2025 Annual Report and its recommendations to the U.S. Congress on Taiwan, predictions for the region in 2026, and the critical "window of opportunity" for deterrence as 2027 looms closer.

Strait Forward is a podcast by the Special Competitive Studies Project. 

On this episode of Strait Forward, hosts Channing and Libby wrap up the year in Taiwan news, reflecting on a turbulent but ultimately optimistic 2025. They discuss major geopolitical and defense developments, including Japan's assertive comments on Taiwan's security, Taiwan's increased defense budget, and recent U.S. arms sales and legislative assurances. Following a special announcement, Libby reflects on her years living and working in Taiwan, sharing personal stories, and explaining why the democratic island is an essential model for the world.

Strait Forward is a podcast by the Special Competitive Studies Project. 

On this episode of Strait Forward, recorded live at SCSP’s AI+ Space Summit, Channing and Libby speak with Holmes Liao, Senior Advisor at the Taiwan Space Agency (TASA), about how Taiwan is rapidly building its space capabilities. The discussion covers Taiwan's latest FORMOSAT satellite launch, its efforts to leverage existing strengths in electronics and manufacturing, and how both private and public sector initiatives are integrating AI for smart satellite operations. They also discuss how Taiwan is overcoming geopolitical challenges in space through international and commercial partnerships to safeguard security in the Indo-Pacific.

Strait Forward is a podcast by the Special Competitive Studies Project. 

On this episode of Strait Forward, Channing and Libby are joined by KJ Chang, founder of Mizo Games, to discuss the studio’s board game, 2045, which simulates a PLA invasion of Taiwan 20 years in the future. KJ explains that his games are inspired by real-world events and Taiwan's history, aiming to use the "pressure of the play" to help players understand the difficult choices made at the edge of survival.  Following the interview, the Strait Forward team – joined by producer Bobby Owens – try out the game for themselves!

Strait Forward is a podcast by the Special Competitive Studies Project. 

In this episode of Strait Forward, Channing and Libby delve into Taiwan's energy security, a critical issue due to the island’s high import dependency and vulnerability to geopolitical risks. They open with a segment featuring Caleb Barnes, Associate Director for Fusion at SCSP, to discuss the most common concerns about nuclear energy in Taiwan, then welcome Tsaiying Lu, Research Fellow & Director of Energy Security Research at Taiwan’s Research Institute for Democracy, Society, and Emerging Technology (DSET), who details Taiwan's ongoing energy resilience efforts. Tsaiying explains the complex politics surrounding nuclear power in Taiwan, how the island plans to meet the energy demands of its semiconductor fabs and the AI industry, and new research into lesser-known threats to Taiwan’s energy supply.

Additional reading:

• Vulnerabilities at Depth: Submarine Power Cable Sabotage and Supply Chain Risks Amid China’s Rise
• Climate Change and Infrastructure Resilience: An Analysis of Water Resources and Electricity Use in Taiwan’s Semiconductor Industry

Strait Forward is a podcast by the Special Competitive Studies Project. 

In this episode of Strait Forward, Channing and Libby move beyond the U.S.-Taiwan conversation and dive into the evolving relationship between Taiwan and Europe. They highlight the shared democratic values and significant economic ties that are driving deeper cooperation.

In this episode, they welcome Jonas Parello-Plesner, Executive Director of the Alliance of Democracies Foundation and author of The Battle for Taiwan. Jonas offers a critical European perspective on Taiwan, detailing the varied approaches countries across the continent take when it comes to engaging with Taiwan.

He discusses how the war in Ukraine has heightened Europe's awareness of the threat to Taiwan, the challenges posed by Chinese coercion, and the dangers of "preemptive obedience" among European nations. Ultimately, Jonas argues that supporting a free Taiwan is vital for global economic stability and the future of democracy.

Strait Forward is a podcast by the Special Competitive Studies Project. 

In this episode of Strait Forward, hosts Channing Lee and Libby Lange are joined by three young Taiwanese leaders — Fanny Chao, Alaze Lin, and Joyce Chiang — who bring unique experience from Taiwan's three major political parties. As grad students in Washington D.C., the guests discuss how the U.S. capital fosters common ground and nuance that is often missing in domestic Taiwanese politics.

The conversation tackles controversial arguments about Taiwan's strategic value and defense spending, candid assessments of their respective parties’ policies, and reflections on how their view of Taiwan's place in the world has changed since coming to the United States.

Strait Forward is a podcast by the Special Competitive Studies Project.