41. Introducing "Dispatch from Taiwan" podcast (with USIP)
whatshot 4 snips
Jan 11, 2024
This limited series explores policy debates in Taiwan, focusing on defense. It covers Taiwan's defense budget, military conscription, and China's threats to take over Taiwan. The podcast discusses defense adjustments, challenges faced by Taiwan's armed forces, and proposed strategies. It also explores perspectives on maintaining peace and the views of presidential candidates on foreign policies, defense, and US-China relations.
25:14
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
question_answer ANECDOTE
Around-The-Island Walk For Defense
Taizong Ling walked 560 miles around Taiwan in full army kit to raise defense awareness.
He completed conscription, enlisted, and said he wanted to defend Taiwan because of his ideals.
insights INSIGHT
Defense Policy Shifts With China's Build-Up
Taiwan's conscription and force structure have swung widely over decades, reflecting shifting threat perceptions.
Defense posture must adapt to China's evolving military modernization and tactics.
insights INSIGHT
Ukraine War Changed Public Opinion
Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine catalyzed Taiwanese public concern and shifted attitudes on conscription.
That shock helped make one-year military service politically acceptable and boosted support for defense spending.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
This 5-episode limited series delves into policy debates within Taiwan that could have implications for the region and beyond. Each episode features Taiwanese local experts and voices weighing in on social, economic and defense issues as they discusses how Taiwanese society is responding to these challenges.
From Ghost Island Media in Taipei and U.S. Institute of Peace in Washington, D.C, this is "Dispatch from Taiwan."
Episode 1: Defense — Rising Awareness and Preparation
Taiwan elects a new president on January 13, 2024. Peace across the Taiwan Strait is on people’s minds, but where the candidates and their political parties differ is how to maintain it. All three presidential candidates have indicated they would continue Taiwan’s current foreign policies, though they have different views of what shape relations with China and with the United States should take, as well as different priorities for Taiwan’s defense preparedness.
As China continues its military aggression in the region, many in Taiwan are thinking of how best to defend their home. In 2024, Taiwan will see a record-high national defense budget of 19.4 billion USD. Military conscription also was extended to one year.
In his New Year’s speech, Chinese leader Xi Jinping renewed the Chinese Communist Party’s threats to take over Taiwan, which China considers its own but has never ruled.
This episode includes expert views from Ying-Yu LIN from Tamkang University and CHIEH Chung from the National Policy Foundation, as well as the civilian voices of Robin HSU from the TaiwanADIZ club and Tsung-lin TSAI.
The Taiwan Take