Introduction

For months commentators and politicians in Australia have been talking about one of the most frightening topics imaginable — a war between the United States and China over the island of Taiwan.

It's the last frozen remnant of a hundred year old Civil War — two governments both claiming to be the legitimate rulers of China, separated by 100 miles of ocean.

In this episode, we explain the bizarre story which led to the current tension, and look at what might happen next.

Guests:

Katherine Wei, Taiwan Correspondent, The Straits Times

Malcolm Turnbull, former Australian Prime Minister

Dr Helen Sham-ho OAM, first Chinese-born MP in an Australian parliament