Strait Forward

Episode 7 - Keeping Watch on U.S.-Taiwan Ties

Episode Summary

How is the U.S.-Taiwan relationship evolving in the face of major geopolitical shifts? Chieh-Ting Yeh, Director of US Taiwan Watch, joins hosts Channing Lee and Libby Lange for a new episode of Strait Forward to explore the current dynamics and future of U.S.-Taiwan relations, examining cultural perceptions, economic ties, and the crucial role of people-to-people connections.

Episode Notes

How is the U.S.-Taiwan relationship evolving in the face of major geopolitical shifts? Chieh-Ting Yeh, Director of US Taiwan Watch, joins hosts Channing Lee and Libby Lange for a new episode of Strait Forward to explore the current dynamics and future of U.S.-Taiwan relations, examining cultural perceptions, economic ties, and the crucial role of people-to-people connections.

• Introduction to Chieh-Ting Yeh (00:04:19 - 00:06:12): Hosts welcome Ting Yeh, Director of US Taiwan Watch, who shares his background and the organization's mission to bridge understanding between the United States and Taiwan.
• The Origins of U.S. Taiwan Watch (00:06:13 - 00:09:49): Discussion about the unique beginnings of US Taiwan Watch as a hackathon project focused on tracking Taiwan-related legislation in the U.S. Congress.
• Ting’s Personal Journey (00:09:49 - 00:14:07): Ting shares his experiences growing up in Taiwan, his move to the United States, and the political awakenings that led to his interest in U.S.-Taiwan relations.
• Early Involvement in Taiwan Issues (00:14:07 - 00:17:58): Tracing Ting's engagement in Taiwanese student activism and the realization of differing narratives between Taiwan and the United States.
• Founding Critical and Media (Ketagalan Project) (00:18:42 - 00:25:25): An overview of the creation of this early English-language platform providing Taiwan-centric perspectives and covering key events like the Sunflower Movement.
• Major Events Shaping US-Taiwan Relations (Past Two Decades) (00:26:19 - 00:33:19): A deeper dive into the global impact of China's evolution, President Tsai Ing-wen's leadership, and growing cultural awareness of the U.S.-Taiwan dynamic.
• The Increasing Significance of Semiconductors (00:36:21 - 00:40:12): Discussion on how Taiwan's crucial role in the semiconductor industry has elevated its importance in the U.S. perspective.
• Taiwanese Perspectives on the US Relationship (00:40:12 - 00:41:12): Exploring how Taiwanese society views the United States, particularly the question of the United States as a reliable friend.
• Generational Differences in Views in Taiwan (00:41:47 - 00:44:41): Insights into how different generations in Taiwan perceive the U.S. relationship based on their unique historical contexts.
• Misconceptions on Both Sides (00:44:41 - 00:47:26): Addressing common misunderstandings about Taiwan in the United States (e.g., threat perception) and about the United States in Taiwan (e.g., the monolithic view of U.S. policy).
• Future Opportunities for US-Taiwan Engagement (00:47:26 - 00:50:26): Discussion on potential avenues for closer collaboration in technology, investment, and cultural exchange.
• Shifting the Narrative: Taiwan as an Asset (00:51:14 - 00:52:16): The importance of framing Taiwan not as a problem but as a valuable partner for the United States.
• Ting's Recommendation for Understanding Taiwan (00:52:16 - 00:52:16): Ting recommends visiting his hometown of Daxi (大溪) to experience the intersection of Taiwan's diverse cultures and history.