Tainan Cultural Capital (KP24)
We interview Tainan’s mayor Lai Ching-te about his vision for the city of Tainan, Taiwan’s old capital and historical center, as well as his views on how his party, the DPP, can be pragmatic when dealing with China.
Smaller Parties Struggle to Turn Movement Into Political Change
Among the new challengers in this year’s midterm elections in Taiwan, small parties fresh from the Sunflower Movement are gearing up to fundamentally change the political landscape. What difficulties await them?
Dreaming of an Odor-Free Bathroom in Taiwan
In 2004, upon hearing about my summer plans in Taiwan, a classmate responded with, “Oh great! I have always wanted to visit a developing country.” How is Taiwan, the land of soy milk and honey, a developing country?
The Debrief, 9/2/14
Tensions between Hong Kong and China rise again as China proposes to controls on chief executive elections; why Taiwanese businesses in China are not returning to Taiwan, and India’s prime minister’s first foreign trip–to Japan.
India’s Leader Visits Japan for Nuclear Energy and Defense
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe as his first diplomatic trip abroad, and discusses nuclear cooperation, security ties, and trade, as a hedge against Chinese rising power.
Why China and Taiwan Are Divided, Really
While China is about national unity, ethnic sameness, and ever-invasive territory claims, Taiwan continues to go towards a lasting and permanent identity separate from one that is Chinese-centric.
Sunflower’s Protests to Politics / 從街頭運動到政治革新 (KP23)
We talk to the two public faces of the Sunflower Movement, Lin Fei-fan (林飛帆) and Chen Wei-ting (陳為廷), on this central question: how do you go from protester to political leader?
The Debrief, 8/26/14
From comparing minimum wages in Taiwan and Korea, to another Taiwanese food conglomerate with Chinese business interest buying cable operator CNS, and the case of James Risen, national security and press freedom.
Taiwan Food Conglomerate Plans to Buy Cable Operator, Again
The Ting Hsin International Group, a Taiwanese food conglomerate that owns the largest instant noodle brand in China, is buying Taiwan cable operator CNS, which the Want Want Group almost bought in 2012 amidst protests.
Press Freedom in Question in James Risen Case
James Risen, a New York Times reporter, is facing possible jail time for refusing to testify against a former CIA operative that allegedly contributed classified information to his 2006 book, State of War.
Yunlin Farmville (KP22)
We speak to Wolf Wu, a candidate for County Council in Yunlin, one of the poorest farming counties in Taiwan. We ask about agriculture, tourism, investments from China, and what’s good to eat there.
The Debrief, 8/19/14
This week we look at oil in Libya, police militarization in Ferguson Missouri, and another splinter group from the Sunflower Movement. Common themes include social unrest that is deeply rooted in race and a feeling of powerlessness over the economy…