2022-08-05

2022-07-29

Diplomacy — the word calls to mind lavish banquets, grand embassies and fancy speeches. But times have changed and in the battle for global influence, politics is turning to social media. Chiayo Kuo, founder of the Taiwan Digital Diplomacy Association, explains how this new form of statecraft works.

PLUS:

What is digital diplomacy?

Will BA.5 stall Taiwan’s reopening?

Taiwanese movie scares its way onto Netflix

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Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was assassinated last Friday while giving a campaign speech in the city of Nara. People remember Abe fondly in Taiwan.  

Abe was one of Taiwan’s most vocal supporters. I speak with international relations professor Tetsuo Kotani to find out what his death means for the two countries moving forward.

Between Taiwan and Japan, close to Okinawa, are a group of islands that Taiwan, Japan, and China claim. Earlier this week, Chinese and Russian naval vessels sailed close to the islands, causing both Taiwan and Japan to raise an alarm. But, why do all three countries want the islands so badly?

In this week’s episode, we’re going to show you how Taiwan's new reusable cup policy works and ask some shop employees the effect this it might have. Then, Stas Butler speaks with Greenpeace Taiwan about Taiwan’s plastic problem. Finally in Hashtag Taiwan, Leslie tells you about Taiwan’s ghoul problem.

The RTI team takes a trip out to Maokong to learn a bit about traditional Taiwanese tea. Later, Voice of America interviews Americans about their opinions on Taiwan. Finally, Leslie talks about an unsung Taiwanese hero.

This week, we give you an inside look at one of Taiwan's most iconic landmarks. Stas Butler tells you about a new 3+4 quarantine plan for incoming travelers. And in Hashtag Taiwan we’re going to be taking a look at some ugly Taiwanese houses. 

Hear about China and how they're influencing democracies with their authoritarianism. Natalie speaks with Ian Easton, the author of the final Struggle: Inside China's Global Strategy. We also look at Taitung's famous international hot air balloon festival. And in Hashtag Taiwan, Leslie shows how a picture blasted President Tsai Ing-wen to internet memedom. 

The US and Taiwan have launched a new framework for bilateral trade.

Later, learn about the scuffle that broke out in the legislature this week over a controversial amendment. Stas talks with Brian Hioe about what it means for former President Chen Shui-bian. We also give you the latest outlook on Taiwan’s outbreak and COVID analyst Chase Nelson tells us about long COVID. And in Hashtag Taiwan, Leslie talks about Zongzi, the Dragon Boat Festival treat.