How is the U.S.-Taiwan relationship evolving in the face of major geopolitical shifts? Chieh-Ting Yeh, Director of US Taiwan Watch, joins hosts Channing Lee and Libby Lange for a new episode of Strait Forward to explore the current dynamics and future of U.S.-Taiwan relations, examining cultural perceptions, economic ties, and the crucial role of people-to-people connections.

• Introduction to Chieh-Ting Yeh (00:04:19 - 00:06:12): Hosts welcome Ting Yeh, Director of US Taiwan Watch, who shares his background and the organization's mission to bridge understanding between the United States and Taiwan.
• The Origins of U.S. Taiwan Watch (00:06:13 - 00:09:49): Discussion about the unique beginnings of US Taiwan Watch as a hackathon project focused on tracking Taiwan-related legislation in the U.S. Congress.
• Ting’s Personal Journey (00:09:49 - 00:14:07): Ting shares his experiences growing up in Taiwan, his move to the United States, and the political awakenings that led to his interest in U.S.-Taiwan relations.
• Early Involvement in Taiwan Issues (00:14:07 - 00:17:58): Tracing Ting's engagement in Taiwanese student activism and the realization of differing narratives between Taiwan and the United States.
• Founding Critical and Media (Ketagalan Project) (00:18:42 - 00:25:25): An overview of the creation of this early English-language platform providing Taiwan-centric perspectives and covering key events like the Sunflower Movement.
• Major Events Shaping US-Taiwan Relations (Past Two Decades) (00:26:19 - 00:33:19): A deeper dive into the global impact of China's evolution, President Tsai Ing-wen's leadership, and growing cultural awareness of the U.S.-Taiwan dynamic.
• The Increasing Significance of Semiconductors (00:36:21 - 00:40:12): Discussion on how Taiwan's crucial role in the semiconductor industry has elevated its importance in the U.S. perspective.
• Taiwanese Perspectives on the US Relationship (00:40:12 - 00:41:12): Exploring how Taiwanese society views the United States, particularly the question of the United States as a reliable friend.
• Generational Differences in Views in Taiwan (00:41:47 - 00:44:41): Insights into how different generations in Taiwan perceive the U.S. relationship based on their unique historical contexts.
• Misconceptions on Both Sides (00:44:41 - 00:47:26): Addressing common misunderstandings about Taiwan in the United States (e.g., threat perception) and about the United States in Taiwan (e.g., the monolithic view of U.S. policy).
• Future Opportunities for US-Taiwan Engagement (00:47:26 - 00:50:26): Discussion on potential avenues for closer collaboration in technology, investment, and cultural exchange.
• Shifting the Narrative: Taiwan as an Asset (00:51:14 - 00:52:16): The importance of framing Taiwan not as a problem but as a valuable partner for the United States.
• Ting's Recommendation for Understanding Taiwan (00:52:16 - 00:52:16): Ting recommends visiting his hometown of Daxi (大溪) to experience the intersection of Taiwan's diverse cultures and history.

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

In this episode of Strait Forward, hosts Channing Lee and Libby Lange continue their exploration of Taiwan's political landscape by focusing on the Kuomintang (KMT), one of the island's two major political parties. Featuring an interview with Assistant Director of International Affairs for the KMT, Howard Cheng-Hao Shen, the conversation covers Shen’s personal journey into the party, the KMT's relationship with the United States and China, its efforts to engage younger generations, and its vision for Taiwan's future.

• Introduction to Howard Cheng-Hao Shen (00:04:19 - 00:06:12): The hosts welcome Howard Shen, Assistant Director of International Affairs for the KMT, who shares his background and involvement with the party.
• The KMT's Office in Washington D.C. (00:06:13 - 00:09:49): Discussion about the KMT's efforts to re-establish and maintain a representative office in the U.S. to deepen relationships and communication.
• Howard Shen's Personal Journey to the KMT (00:09:49 - 00:14:07): Howard shares his personal reasons for supporting the KMT, including a shift in perspective and alignment with the party's mission.
• The KMT's Historical Roots and Ideals (00:14:07 - 00:17:58): Tracing the KMT's founding by Sun Yat-sen in Hawaii and its early Republican ideals, as well as its complex history in modern China and Taiwan.
• The KMT's History in Taiwan Post-1949 (00:18:42 - 00:25:25): An overview of the KMT's rule in Taiwan, including the period of martial law and the eventual democratic transition initiated by the party.
• The KMT's Approach to China Under Ma Ying-jeou (00:26:19 - 00:33:19): A deeper dive into the KMT's rationale for pursuing closer economic and political ties with mainland China during Ma's administration, within the context of global trends.
• The KMT's Current Position on China (00:36:21 - 00:40:12): Howard explains the KMT's current "2D" policy: strong defense combined with maintaining channels for dialogue with Beijing.
• American Perspectives on Cross-Strait Dialogue (00:40:12 - 00:41:12): A brief discussion on the differing viewpoints within the U.S. regarding dialogue with Beijing.
• The KMT's Future Vision and Younger Voices (00:41:47 - 00:44:41): Insights into the KMT's goals for internationalization and rejuvenation, and the increasing involvement of younger individuals within the party.
• The KMT's Push for Parliamentary Reform (00:44:41 - 00:47:26): Discussion on the KMT's efforts to reform Taiwan's legislative processes to enhance checks and balances.
• The KMT's Stance on the Defense Budget (00:47:26 - 00:50:26): Howard clarifies the KMT's position on recent defense budget discussions, emphasizing the context of record-high proposed and approved budgets.
• Howard Shen's Recommendation for Understanding Taiwan (00:51:14 - 00:52:16): Howard recommends trying "neuro tongue" (beef soup) as a way to experience Taiwanese culture.

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

In this episode of "Strait Forward," Channing Lee and Libby Lange explore the history and evolution of Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) from its grassroots origins during the authoritarian era to its current standing. Featuring an interview with Iris Shaw, Director of the DPP's US mission, the discussion covers the party's advocacy for democratic reforms, its transition to governance, its work in Washington D.C., and its policy priorities under President Lai Ching-te.

• Introduction to the DPP and Early Discussion (00:00:40 - 00:08:03): Hosts Channing and Libby introduce their series on Taiwan's political parties by focusing on the ruling DPP. Libby shares her experiences working for President Tsai, highlighting international engagement and Taiwan's global profile. The discussion then covers key accomplishments of Tsai's administration (US-Taiwan relations, defense reforms, New Southbound Policy) and the initial themes under President Lai (societal defense resilience, AI investment, pragmatic foreign policy).
• Introduction to Iris Shaw, Director of DPP's US Mission (00:08:45 - 00:09:59): The hosts welcome Iris Shaw, who introduces her role and her extensive experience working with the DPP both in Taiwan and the United States.
• The DPP's Mission in the US (00:12:50 - 00:15:05): Iris explains the three-fold mission of the DPP in the U.S.: to invest in relationships, align interests, and compete against misinformation.
• History of the DPP's Founding (00:17:39 - 00:21:42): A look back at the DPP's establishment in 1986 during Taiwan's martial law period, driven by the pursuit of freedom and democracy, and the evolution of its platform regarding Taiwan's status.
• Transition from Activism to Governance (00:22:53 - 00:27:02): Discussion on the challenges and lessons learned as the DPP transitioned from a grassroots opposition movement to governing Taiwan, including the establishment of policy platforms for cross-strait relations.
• Interaction with Other Political Parties in the US (00:27:04 - 00:30:50): Iris shares insights into the DPP's interactions with other political entities in Washington D.C., emphasizing a focus on factual communication rather than direct political infighting.
• Continuity and Change Under President Lai (00:31:15 - 00:37:57): An examination of the policy continuities from the Tsai administration to the Lai administration, as well as new areas of emphasis, particularly in defense, foreign policy messaging, and economic diplomacy focused on future industries.
• The Role of Young People in the DPP (00:38:59 - 00:43:13): Discussion on how young people are influencing the DPP's policymaking and their hopes for Taiwan's future, including efforts to engage youth in public service and policy discussions.
• Addressing American Misconceptions About the DPP (00:43:33 - 00:46:52): Iris addresses common misunderstandings Americans might have about the DPP, particularly regarding its stance on independence and its progressive domestic policies, while highlighting shared anti-communist values.
• Iris Shaw's Recommendation for Understanding Taiwan (00:46:52 - 00:49:44): Iris recommends learning about the "Keep Taiwan Free" bear and the broader movement for Taiwan's international participation as a way to understand Taiwanese identity and aspirations.

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

China's military pressure on Taiwan is escalating. How is Taiwan responding? Fei-Fan Lin, Deputy Secretary-General of Taiwan’s National Security Council, joins hosts Channing Lee and Libby Lange to provide crucial insights into Taiwan's defense strategies.  This episode explores Taiwan's multifaceted approach to national security, lessons learned from the Ukraine war, and the importance of societal resilience.

Check out some related works:

Two Island Nations, From Neighbors to Partners

Taiwan: A Case Study in Resilience and Innovation

Beijing’s Play for Taiwan’s Young Voices Intensifies

Coming up: SCSP’s AI+ Expo for National Competitiveness, June 2-4 in Washington, DC. Register here!

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

In this episode of Strait Forward, hosts Channing Lee and Libby Lange explore the crucial topic of digital resilience, particularly in the context of Taiwan's technologically advanced society. They discuss the multifaceted nature of digital resilience, encompassing both physical infrastructure and cybersecurity. The conversation delves into the challenges Taiwan faces, from natural disasters like typhoons to the pervasive threat of cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns.

The episode features a compelling interview with Audrey Tang, Taiwan's former Digital Minister and current Ambassador-at-Large for Cyber Affairs. Tang shares insights into Taiwan's innovative approaches to digital governance, including radical transparency, civic engagement, and the use of AI to foster digital democracy. The discussion highlights Taiwan's efforts to build a resilient and democratic digital ecosystem in the face of external pressures.

They discuss:

• Digital Resilience Definition
• Physical Digital Resilience
• Cybersecurity Threats
• Disinformation Campaigns
• Audrey Tang's Role
• Radical Transparency
• Civic Technology Initiatives (g0v, vTaiwan)
• Digital Democracy
• AI's Role in Governance (Assistive Intelligence)
• Taiwan Gold Card Program

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

This episode of "Strait Forward" explores the intricate history of Taiwan's democratization, focusing on the pivotal moments that shaped its current political identity. It begins by establishing a glossary of key historical terms and then dives into the impact of these events on Taiwan's societal fabric. Historian Dr. Dominic Yang joins the conversation to shed light on the profound effects of trauma and memory on Taiwan's journey towards democracy, and how these elements continue to influence the island's political landscape.

They discuss:

• The lasting impact of Japanese colonial rule on Taiwan.
• The significance and consequences of the 228 Incident.
• The pervasive effects of the White Terror and martial law.
• Ethnic distinctions and their role in Taiwan’s political history
• Dr. Yang's background and research into trauma and memory studies.
• The KMT's arrival in 1949 and its immediate impact on Taiwan.
• The everyday experience of living under martial law.
• The challenges of reconciling historical trauma with democratic development.

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

In the inaugural episode of "Straight Forward," Channing Lee and Libby Lange delve into the multifaceted importance of Taiwan in today's global landscape. They begin by discussing their personal connections to Taiwan and then provide a foundational overview of the island's geography, economy, and unique political status. Ambassador Alexander Yui joins the conversation to share his insights on Taiwan's journey from isolation to a key player in technology and democracy, the challenges it faces, and the burgeoning US-Taiwan relationship. 

They discuss:

• Ambassador Yui's career background
• Taiwan's journey from isolation to recognition
• Introducing Taiwan to a new audience
• Challenges in global diplomacy
• Taiwan's role in global innovation
• Maintaining democracy in the face of external threats
• The evolving threat from Beijing
• Opportunities for US-Taiwan cooperation in 2025
• Ambassador Yui's recommendations for learning more about Taiwan

Check out some related works:

- The PRC’s Remote Poaching Model

- The View from Taiwan: Democracy in Action

- Beijing’s Play for Taiwan’s Young Voices Intensifies

- Taiwan: Strength in Unity, Behind Innovation Power

- Two Island Nations, From Neighbors to Partners

- Taiwan: A Case Study in Resilience and Innovation

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