Taiwan Insider

Insider talks with Tamkang University Professor Alexander Huang about the upcoming high profile meeting between President Tsai Ing-wen and US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy

Insider talks to All Hands Taiwan and Jessica Stone, author of Crossing the Divide, about working in Taiwan and cross-cultural environments.

Tune into to see why the issue of transitional justice is so key to understanding Taiwan.

Amidst concerns over a possible switch in diplomatic ties, Insider speaks with Honduran Ambassador Harold Burgos about Taiwan-Honduras ties.

Happy Lunar New Year! Taiwan Insider brings you the latest from the Year of the Rabbit in Taiwan.

Insider speaks with Member of Lithuanian Parliament Dovilė Šakalienė

Insider talks with Admiral Lee Hsi Min about Taiwan's plan to extend conscription to one year and the impact it will have on Taiwan's defense.

2023-01-06

From fresh fish to fireworks, stunning coastlines and indigenous cultures, to street food and historic architecture, Taiwan is full of amazing places to visit. These include the archipelago of Penghu, the east coast, Taipei’s traditional markets and hotels, and more.

Foreign journalists are leaving China as Beijing becomes more hostile to the Western press. We talk to former ABC China Correspondent Bill Birtles to learn more about the challenges foreign journalists face while reporting from China.

Today we look at Taiwan’s microchip industry. We speak with industry insider Dave Adelman, Managing Director of Siltronic AG in Taiwan, one of the world’s leading makers of silicon wafers. about the global competition for the chips that power the world.

Tiananmen protest leader Wu'er Kaixi gives his analysis of the recent protests in China in the episode.

The ruling DPP only won 5 out of 22 local leadership positions. Insider speaks with National Chengchi University Political Scientist Lev Nachman about his analysis.

How will Saturday’s local elections affect Taiwan? Insider speaks with Political Columnist Courtney Donovan Smith about the China factor and how these elections may affect upcoming presidential elections.

Insider takes you to London to see the first Taiwan Forum featuring Digital Minister Audrey Tang speaking on digital resilience. Taiwan Digital Diplomacy President Kuo Chia-yo also speaks on how social media is helping Taiwan build alliances.

Check out the new destinations at Kaohsiung Harbor in this episode.

Taiwan’s borders are open and one of the must-see places are the traditional markets. Taipei’s oldest traditional market - Nanmen market is such a treasure that it’s being renovated. Meanwhile,  the 270 stalls have moved to a temporary home nearby. 

Democracy is under attack around the world by authoritarian governments. Natalie Tso speaks with National Endowment for Democracy (NED) President Damon Wilson about the threats to democracy and how people can fight back.

What does XiJinping have in mind for Taiwan? Insider speaks with Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council Michael Schuman, about Xi’s recent remarks and cross-strait tensions.

More and more people in Taiwan identify as Taiwanese than ever before. We’ll be hearing from young people in Taiwan about why they say they are Taiwanese. We’ll also be looking into interesting Taiwanese traditions and historical sites. And on Hashtag Taiwan, Leslie talks about what Tesla CEO Elon Musk said about Taiwan. 

It’s official! Taiwan is doing away with quarantine for inbound travelers starting October 13. We’re going to show you some attractions you might want to see when you come to Taiwan! Later, in Hashtag Taiwan, Leslie will dive into the controversy surrounding Taiwanese celebrities celebrating China’s National Day. 

Natalie interviews an 82-year old man who's sailing around Taiwan. In Hashtag Taiwan, Leslie talks about a Taichung business that's encouraging blood donations with some delicious bait.

US President Joe Biden said US troops would defend Taiwan if China attacked. The US Senate Foreign Affairs Committee passed the Taiwan Policy Act that would give Taiwan military assistance, and global lawmakers are telling their governments to sanction China if it attacks Taiwan. Finally, in Hashtag Taiwan, Leslie goes over images from two major earthquakes that hit the country this past weekend. 

Was US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit worth China's escalation of military activity near Taiwan? Insider speaks with prominent DPP politician Lin Fei-fan who recently wrote in the Washington Post about the need for the free world to unite to defend Taiwan about his thoughts on how democracies can support Taiwan.

As Taiwan inaugurates its Ministry of Digital Affairs, Insider looks into the controversies behind a recent digital services bill proposed by the Cabinet.

The UN just released a human rights report confirming credible evidence of torture and other human rights abuses against the Uyghurs in Xinjiang. Tune into Taiwan Insider  as Natalie Tso speaks wtih Uyghur activist and the chair of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom Nury Turkel about what he thinks the international community should do next.

Rockstar-turned-lawmaker Freddy Lim tells us about his encounter with US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and how music and politics connect in this episode.

There’s been a spike in work scams tricking people in Taiwan to go to Cambodia and subjecting them to forced labor and abuse. Stas speaks to two experts about how people get tricked, abused and how they can escape. Natalie also speaks with AIT’s Jason Hwang about why the US put Taiwan’s fishing industry on its dirty list for forced labor. And in Hashtag Taiwan, we take a look at who’s been behind all of the scamming and how they get in touch with the victims. 

China held unprecedented military drills near Taiwan this past week. What does that mean for Taiwan now? Natalie spoke with prominent China watcher Bonnie Glaser to get her take. Later, people in Taiwan tell us what they think of China's drills. Finally in Hashtag Taiwan, Leslie talks you about an interesting argumument China is using to claim Taiwan as its own. 

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.

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.  

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.

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.

President Joe Biden said the US would defend Taiwan if China attacked — and not for the first time. Staś Butler speaks with political scientist Kharis Templeman about why Biden keeps saying that. Later, experts weigh in on the possibility of herd immunity in Taiwan. And in Hashtag Taiwan, Leslie talks about how the country fits into the 15th anniversary of Google’s Street View service. 

As COVID cases surge in Taiwan, Natalie speaks with NTU public health professor Chan Chang-chuan about how Taiwan can live with COVID. Emma takes you on a trip to Guanziling, famous for its muddy hot springs. And in Hashtag Taiwan, Leslie tells us about the change in the US State Department’s policy towards Taiwan. 

The Swedish Parliament has approved a name change for Sweden’s trade office in Taipei. Swedish Member of Parliament Boriana Aberg tells Natalie why they want to call it the House of Sweden and why Sweden could be joining NATO soon. Later, in honor of Mother’s Day, we take a look at how mothers are doing this year. And in Hashtag Taiwan, we’re celebrating National Bubble Tea Day. 

Swedish and EU lawmakers are in Taiwan. Stas Butler speaks to co-chair of the delegation MEP Charlie Weimers. Later, learn about the defense ministry's new Civil Defense Handbook and a new performance from Cloud Gate Dance Theater. Finally, in Hashtag Taiwan, Leslie finds the answer to an age-old question that’s divided Taiwan. 

Natalie speaks with military expert Michael Hunzeker about what a territorial defense force would mean for Taiwan. Then, take a look at tracer round fire lighting up the night sky over one of Taiwan’s outlying islands. And, in Hashtag Taiwan, Leslie talks about one Taiwanese man’s journey to help Ukraine. 

Taiwan wants to go Net Zero carbon by 2050. Staś speaks to members of the Taiwan Youth Climate Coalition to find out what that will take. Later, find out more about the magnitude 6.6 earthquake that hit Taiwan on Wednesday. 

To celebrate International Women's Day, Natalie talks with the first woman to win Best New Director at the Golden Horse Awards, Fiona Roan, about her film American Girl and her thoughts for women today. Later, RTI asks women in Taiwan about their experiences of womanhood. In Hashtag Taiwan, Leslie shares all about Taiwan's latest superhero: Captain Underpants.

On this episode, we have an interview with a prominent Ukrainian writer currently in Ukraine who tells us how morale is in the country's western region. Stas and Leslie talk to people at a demonstration in Taipei supporting Ukraine. Then, in Hashtag Taiwan, Leslie delves into the internet's reaction to the Russia-Ukraine war. 

Taiwan is ending a 10-year-long ban on food imports from Fukushima, Japan, the site of a nuclear meltdown in 2011. Staś speaks with nuclear energy professor Lee Min to better understand the science behind the decision. Then, Emma talks about Taiwan’s lantern festival which is taking place all February in Kaohsiung City. And, in Hashtag Taiwan, Leslie Liao discusses Taiwan at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. 

Happy Year of the Tiger! We take you to a Year of the Tiger exhibit at Taipei’s famous Dihua Street. Next, we hear from people in the US about how they celebrate the Lunar New Year. We also do a blind taste test of Taiwan’s unique Lunar New Year snacks. Plus, in Hashtag Taiwan, Leslie gives you a look at some of the New Year goodies that places are giving out!

Vertical farming is a new green trend that’s happening in Taiwan - you can even try it on your own apartment balcony! Stas talks to our partners at VOA about that process. We’ll also tell you about upcycling basketballs and an Omicron subvariant in Taiwan. Finally, in Hashtag Taiwan, Leslie talks about about Lithuanian rum and chocolate in Taiwan.

Despite questionable remarks by its president, Lithuania is still standing with Taiwan. Lithuanian MP Matas Maldeikis tells Natalie why in today’s show. Stas Butler finds out what was behind the migrant workers' protest this week. The government is setting up a pet unit to take better care of Taiwan’s furry friends. In Hashtag Taiwan, Leslie talks about a website hack that flew Taiwan's colors. 

Is Taiwan ready for Nuclear weapons? Natalie speaks with prominent China expert Gordon Chang on why he thinks Taiwan should be a nuclear power. Then, we’ll take a look at defense exercises that have been going on in Taiwan this week. Finally, in Hashtag Tawan, Leslie will tell you about an earthquake that shook not only the ground, but also the internet. 

Who made a difference for Taiwan this year? Join us as we hear from the movers and shakers that have impacted Taiwan. From diplomats to athletes to philanthropists, you’ll be inspired at how these people inspired Taiwan

Leslie Liao takes us back through some of the most memorable #moments and social media trends in Taiwan in 2021.

Taiwan’s gearing up for a referendum on Saturday where trade, nuclear energy and the environment are at stake. Stas Butler speaks with pro and anti nuclear activists about if Taiwan should operate its fourth nuclear power plant. Next, Emma Benack examines an exhibit about the female criminal mind. Finally, in Hashtag Taiwan, Leslie Liao tells you about how maps have stirred trouble for Taiwan. 

Natalie Tso talks to French ally, Senator Alain Richard, about why he's promoting French-Taiwan ties. Next, Stas Butler speaks with Stanford political scientist Kharis Templeman and NTU Professor Tao Yi-fen about tensions in US-China ties. Finally, Leslie Liao explains how cross-strait tensions contributed to a high-profile divorce. 

Find out what President Joe Biden and Xi Jinping said about Taiwan during their virtual summit earlier this week.

Members of the US Congress visited Taiwan this week, not long after Members of the European Parliament made a landmark visit.

The EU has sent Members of Parliament to Taiwan for the first time. Natalie speaks with the Czech Republic MEP who initiated the trip, Markéta Gregorová, about why they came. Stas talks with China analyst Dr. Ivana Karaskova about the significance of this trip. Finally, in Hashtag Taiwan, we're going over a hip hop dance video from KMT officials. This is Taiwan Insider.

There's been alot of great news about EU-Taiwan ties lately. Now, Foreign Minister Joseph Wu is on a rare high profile trip to Europe.

It's a historic moment. The EU Parliament has passed its first ever report calling for stronger ties with Taiwan.

The Wall Street journal says US troops are in Taiwan? Natalie talks to military strategist Alexander Huang about what that means.

Lithuanian products are selling out across Taiwan, as people show their gratitude for Lithuania’s decision to host a Taiwanese Representative Office. But what is there to buy? Natalie and new RTI host Emma Benack head to a Lithuanian chocolate store to find out for themselves.

Find out how Taiwan is facing the new Chinese ban on its wax apples and sugar apples in this episode of Taiwan Insider.

Lithuania has received an outpouring of support from lawmakers around the world as it faces up to diplomatic and economic sanctions from China. That comes after Lithuania and Taiwan decided to strengthen bilateral ties. Lithuanian lawmaker Dovilė Šakalienė tells Insider why her country is ready and willing to take the heat.

Find out why more Americans are supporting Taiwan and what prominent Taiwan expert Brown Professor of Political Science at Davidson College, thinks of this new trend in this episode.

2021-08-27

The world’s eyes are on Afghanistan as US forces end their decades-long military presence in the country. The Taliban’s rapid return to power has some people wondering: can Taiwan rely on US support? Professor Hal Brands of John Hopkins University tells Insider why Taiwan shouldn’t be too worried.

Find out how Lithuania and the US are standing up for Taiwan, and all about the dinosaur that got vaccinated, in this week's Taiwan Insider.

They’ve done it again: Taiwan’s Olympic team delivered yet another round of stunning performances last week, taking home Taiwan’s first medals in a number of sports. Taiwan Insider introduces you to #TeamTaiwan’s history-makers. Also, find out why an Olympic badminton game has got Taiwan’s internet users talking about a new national flag.

[#TaiwanTeam makes Olympic history]

[Can you take two different brands of COVID-19 vaccine?]

[Taiwan’s astonishing vaccine deal]

[Level 3 extended]

[A 60% more transmissible variant of COVID-19?]

[Vaccination salvation]

[Is China gearing up for war?]

[Or if you’re watching during the Dragon Boat Festival – stay home and eat zongzi!]

[Racing to fill Taiwan’s vaccine shortage]

[What epidemiologists say about the outbreak]

[Taiwan’s biggest domestic outbreak]

[On the verge of an outbreak?]

[What do Taiwan’s moms sacrifice for their kids?]

[Ten China Airlines pilots infected]

[A new chapter in US-Taiwan ties]

[All for a goddess]

[Tragedy that could have been avoided]

[That ship has sailed.]

[Finally, you can scratch that travel itch]

[Hello from the Taipei Rose Festival]

[Taiwan’s unusual charm]

[A new symbol of Taiwan’s spirit]

[Will Taiwan have enough?]