In August, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi landed in Taipei and stood shoulder-to-shoulder to Taiwanese officials. She said her visit was to honor the US’s unwavering support for Taiwanese sovereignty. Leaders in mainland China – who have made the annexation of Taiwan a key political priority – were furious.

 

This week, Ray takes a close look at Taiwan: its colonial past, vibrant democratic tradition, and what recent disputes over independence could mean for its people — and national security – today. We hear directly from a range of Taiwanese voices on the ground, including speakers from the two major political parties vying for influence in the country’s domestic sphere. 

 

Guests:  

 

Jeremy Huai-Che Chiang, Taiwanese student and research assistant with Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation

 

Syaru Shirley Lin, professor at the Miller Center of Public Affairs at the University of Virginia

 

Guan Fu, research associate at Taiwan Democracy Progressive Party (DPP)

 

Steven Wang, former staffer the Kuomintang (KMT) Party

 

Host:

 

Ray Suarez, host of On Shifting Ground with Ray Suarez

 

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