Strait Forward

Episode 6 - The KMT's Blueprint for the Future

Episode Summary

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.

Episode Notes

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.