Strait Talk with Xiangyu

The February 28th Incident of 1947 is widely remembered as a tragic moment in Taiwan’s history, but the way it has been framed and exploited over the years reveals a story of political opportunism. The scarcity of accurate English-language information has further enabled well-meaning Western commentators to unknowingly distort the event. In this episode of STXY, we examine what truly happened in 1...

Taiwan’s ruling DPP is using lawfare in an attempt to crush opposition, deploying politically motivated prosecutions while international media looks the other way. Despite 150,000 people taking to the streets in protest last month, there’s been near-total silence from mainstream outlets outside of Taiwan. In this episode of STXY, we take a look at what's going on, and why the DPP is becoming incre...

In this episode of STXY, I sit down with my friend Lin Chi-yu, who shares his journey from being a passionate supporter of Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to being an ardent critic. We explore what initially drew him to the party, the experiences that led to his disillusionment, and his evolving thoughts on Taiwan's future. Lin offers candid insights into Cross-Strait relations, US-Tai...

In this episode of STXY, we dissect the Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) accusations of "undemocratic behavior" against the opposition's recent amendments to three key laws. As the opposition—now the majority in the legislature—pushes forward with these revisions, the DPP's response has been anything but democratic. From mobilizing supporters to surround the legislative building to starting br...

In an embarrassing turn of events, Taiwan's ruling party, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), publicly expressed support on social media for Yoon Seok-yeol's declaration of martial law in south Korea before quickly deleting the post amid public backlash. Once at the forefront of the fight to end the Kuomintang's martial law and establish liberal democracy in Taiwan, the DPP is now facing inten...

In this episode of STXY, we talk about one of Taiwan's most secretive and controversial chapters—the rise and fall of its nuclear weapons program. From covert uranium enrichment deals with South Africa to advanced warhead designs tested at hidden sites, we trace the decades-long journey of the KMT's nuclear ambitions. Discover how researchers achieved breakthroughs, like plutonium production, and...

In this episode of STXY, we unpack the recent Joint Sword 2024B military drill and what it signals about the complex dynamics between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan. With recent developments in cross-strait relations, we examine the strategic intentions behind these exercises and analyze the broader implications for security, diplomacy, and regional stability. We'll also explore how the drill ref...

On the occasion of the 113th Posthumous Birthday of the "Republic of China," we delve into the remnants of the former Chinese government that passed at the young age of 38. After 1949, the Republic of China ceased to exist as a living entity, yet its name has lingered, haunting Taiwan for over seven decades, constantly redefined by various political actors––like different souls reanimating the sam...

In this episode, we delve into the intricate history of Taiwan's separatist movement, beginning with the island's return to China in 1945 after fifty years of Japanese occupation. As we explore the internal tensions and external pressures that fueled this movement, you'll discover how a fringe idea gained ground amidst the contradictions within Taiwan's society and global geopolitics. Join us as w...

In this episode of Strait Talk with Xiangyu, we explore the intricate world of semiconductors and geopolitics with a seasoned industry insider, "Mr. T." Discover the crucial role that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) plays in shaping global tech trends and its strategic importance on the world stage, particularly its impact on Sino-US relations. Join us for an enlightening convers...

In this episode, we share a dark and painful chapter of history: the military brothel system established by the Kuomintang (KMT) in 1950, which persisted until the closure of the last military brothel in Kinmen in 1992. Joining the discussion are Andrea Heinz and Elly Arrow, outspoken activists against sexual exploitation, from the Red Light Exposé podcast. Together, we examine the origins and ope...

In this episode of Strait Talk, I sit down with Mario Cavolo, a multifaceted writer and actor residing in Shenyang City, Liaoning Province. Mario shares his experiences portraying General Douglas MacArthur in the Chinese historical series Crossing the Yalu River, and we discuss how his character's role in the Korean War connects with my family's history, which led to my relatives living in Shenyan...

During my recent trip to Beijing, I had the opportunity to sit down with Li Jingjing, a renowned journalist and vlogger known for her insightful reporting on current events and her engaging portrayal of everyday life in China for an international audience. In this episode, we touch upon a wide a range of topics, including mainland Chinese perspectives on Taiwan, practical ways to foster mutual und...

Conversations about Chinese hip-hop are incomplete without recognizing the contributions from mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. The discussion also needs to address the connections to American hip-hop, the origin of the genre. Our guest, Detroit Showtyme, a hip-hop enthusiast from Detroit who moved to Shanghai in 1999, played a significant role in nurturing authentic Chinese hip-hop culture o...

In this episode of Strait Talk, I invited Leo, a fellow conscript from our time in Substitute Service at the Training Center of the National Fire Agency, to discuss our experiences there. What is the Fire A I also give a brief introduction to the history of conscription in Taiwan and summarize how the laws governing it have evolved over the years. What is Substitute Service? How is it different fr...

In this episode, we're joined by Zoe Discovers, a prominent voice on north Korea with firsthand experience living on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. We delve into her perspectives as a foreigner in China on the similarities and differences between Taiwan and mainland. Additionally, we touch on the parallels and distinctions between the offshore islands of Fujian Province under Taipei's control an...

Joining us for this episode is Jackson Hinkle, one of the most sanctioned political commentators, a people's ambassador of the United States, and a very divisive figure among American netizens described by right-wing detractors as a communist traitor, and by baizuo detractors as a fascist national chauvinistic bigot. Together, we delve into the shared concerns of ordinary people both in Taiwan and...

Taiwan's history does not begin in 1949. In this introductory episode, we're joined by Carl Zha from the Silk and Steel Podcast to begin uncovering Taiwan's rich and complex history, as well as unravel common misconceptions about the island, explore its intricate cross-strait relations with the Chinese mainland, and understand why this island has emerged as a crucial battleground in global politic...