This podcast episode of the China History Podcast explores the major events in Taiwan from 1977-1987, including the Zhongli Incident, rise of Xu Xinliang, normalization of relations between the US and PRC, founding of Hsinchu Science Park and TSMC, and the killing of dissident writer Henry Liu.
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Quick takeaways
The podcast covers major events in Taiwan history during the post-Jang Kai-Shak era, including the Zhongli incident in 1977 and the end of martial law in 1987.
It discusses the shifting US-PRC relations and the signing of the Three Communiques, highlighting the second communique in 1978 and the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979.
Deep dives
Major Events in Taiwan History
This podcast episode covers major events in Taiwan history during the post-Jang Kai-Shak era. Starting with the pro-democracy movement and the formation of the Democratic Progressive Party, it explores the Zhongli incident in 1977, where riots broke out during local elections. It discusses the end of martial law in 1987 and the founding of the DPP. The episode also touches on the Taiwan Relations Act, which reduced US arms sales to Taiwan, and the third communique signed in 1980 to calm tensions between the US and PRC. It concludes with the rise of Li Dengue as president and the founding of the Xin Zhu Science Park.
The Gaoshong Incident and Democratization
The Gaoshong incident in December 1979 was a pivotal moment in Taiwan history. It occurred during a human rights celebration organized by Formosa magazine, resulting in violence and a harsh crack down by the government. The incident caused international outcry and led to the founding of the Democratic Progressive Party in 1986. The episode also mentions the Liayu Massacre in 1987, which further tarnished the reputation of the KMT regime. It explores the complex legacy of Jiang Qingguo, who facilitated democratization while facing criticism for incidents like the Jiangnan affair.
US-PRC Relations and the Taiwan Relations Act
The episode discusses the shifting US-PRC relations and the signing of the Three Communiques between the two countries. It highlights the second communique in 1978, which established diplomatic relations between the US and PRC and recognized the PRC as the sole legal government of China. It mentions the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979, which affirmed the US commitment to Taiwan's security and provided for arms sales to Taiwan. It also explores the third communique in 1980, which promised to reduce US arms sales to Taiwan.
The Cultural Influence of Teresa Deng
The episode pays tribute to Teresa Deng, a renowned pop singer who had a significant cultural impact in Taiwan and beyond. Deng, affectionately known as Asia's eternal queen of pop, became a sensation in the Mando Pop music industry during the 1970s and 1980s. Her talent and popularity transcended language barriers, and her music resonated with audiences in Greater China and Chinatowns around the world. Deng's untimely death in 1995 left a legacy as an icon of Chinese pop music.
In this Part 13 installment, in what I can tell you now, will be a 15-Part series, we look at some of the main events from 1977-1987. This was the final decade in the life of Chiang Ching-Kuo. He ended martial law and set Taiwan on the course that we all recognize today. In this episode, we'll look at the Zhongli Incident, the rise of Xu Xinliang 许信良 and a more emboldened political opposition, the normalization of relations between the US and PRC, and the subsequent Taiwan Relations Act. Other things mentioned in Part 13 include the founding of the Hsinchu Science Park and the birth of TSMC, the semiconductor company so often mentioned in the news. We'll finish off with the killing of dissident writer Henry Liu (江南) in Daly City, California. The final two episodes will focus on more recent events.