The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa Files

It was one of Taiwan’s most secretive Cold War outposts: Shulinkou Air Station (樹林口空軍情報站), a joint-service U.S. intelligence base perched on a misty plateau west of Taipei. Built in 1955, it was a hub for the interception, decryption, and analysis of enemy radio and electronic communications.In Part 1 of this three-part series, we focus on the early 1960s and the everyday world of the young servicemen and officers stationed there. Join them as they resist the character-destroying temptations of Taipei’s back alleys, face vengeful thieves, ride the rails in a stolen locomotive (probably a tall tale but you be the judge), and encounter ghostly road vehicles. This is Part 1. Parts 2 and 3 will take us deeper -- into the looming Vietnam War.For this episode, we relied heavily on the excellent Shulinkou Air Station Taiwan website, which is run by men who served there between 1955 and 1977.

Pioneering researcher, physician and historical novelist Dr Chen Yao-chang passed away at the age of 76 on November 17. He will be deeply missed by family and friends. John and Eryk had the pleasure of getting to know this kind and talented man through our publishing wing, Plum Rain Press. Our first book in fact was the English-language edition of his breakout novel, A Tale of Three Tribes in Dutch Formosa. (wonderfully translated by He Wen-ching.)In this special episode, you'll hear a recording from the highly-recommended podcast Books on Asia – With Amy Chavez, (the Formosa Files team recorded a ⁠BOA episode on “Three Tribes”⁠ in October '25), and snippets from a chat Eryk and Dr. Chen had back in June 2024. Rest in peace, Dr. Chen... and thank you.

Ever taken Kaohsiung’s cable car across the harbor, had fun at Chiayi’s Universal Studios theme park, marveled at Taiwan’s Statue-of-Liberty-style gift to the US (a giant Moon Goddess monument)? Well, no, you couldn’t have because these projects were never realized. These are just a few of the many bleached bones we explore from the graveyard of broken dreams.AND – there will be an extra episode coming this Saturday with a wild premise. Is it possible the ancient Chinese settled in Taiwan during the time of China’s first emperor, or in Japan, or crossed the Pacific and made contact with Central American civilizations such as the Maya?Please follow, share, review, like, etc.

Ancient Chinese records tell us that in 210 BC a Taoist priest and alchemist named Xu Fu (徐福) sailed east to find the elixir of immortality for the despotic Qin Shi Huang. China’s first emperor was obsessed with cheating death (as revealed by his huge tomb complex in Xi’an, with its thousands of terracotta warriors); he outfitted Xu Fu’s expedition with everything needed to establish a settlement – equipment, supplies, and several thousand young men and women. Xu Fu and his companions never returned to China. Where did they go? John and Chris Stowers, an English photographer and writer based in Taipei, discuss this story, especially as it relates to Taiwan. Did Xu Fu settle in Formosa? Or Japan? Or, as is the premise for Tim McGirk’s The Wondrous Elixir of the Two Chinese Lovers, did he reach Central America?NOTE: A technical problem affected the audio quality of this episode, but the conversation is solid and worth sticking with. Thanks for your patience.

In this insightful discussion, Benjamin Sando, a research fellow at the Global Taiwan Institute, delves into the complex web of Taiwan's underworld. He reveals how gangs evolved from temple-linked community militias in the Qing era to modern criminal networks involved in drug and human trafficking. Sando highlights the symbiotic relationship between gangs and political entities, showcasing how temples are leveraged for political influence. He also discusses the impact of democratization on gang activities and suggests regulatory measures for temple finances to curb corruption.

Discover the bizarre tale of the first Western movie filmed in Taiwan during the Cold War. A film director's anti-communist message leads American soldiers on a wild journey from Iowa to Taiwan. Hear about filming in Taipei amidst political tensions and the curious characters, including a general and a leading actress. Despite its intriguing plot, the film struggled with funding and distribution, largely disappearing from history. Join in on the search for lost records and encounter a world of drama, patriotism, and cinema gone awry!

Dive into cringe-worthy historical portrayals as hosts read offensive excerpts about Asian women. Discover the bizarre expedition of 'Half-Safe,' an amphibious jeep that navigated the world's waters in a quest for adventure. Learn about Ben Carlin's audacious journey to Taiwan in 1956, complete with warm welcomes and military intrigue. Join them as they recount Carlin's captivating tour across Taiwan's cities and interactions with notable figures, ultimately reflecting on how history can be both fascinating and problematic.

Discover Japan's postwar triumph at the 1970 Osaka Expo, a showcase of innovation featuring futuristic tech like monorails and videophones. Delve into Taiwan's unique pavilion designed by I.M. Pei, which marked its last international hurrah before diplomatic setbacks. Uncover the story of a forgotten Taiwanese thriller filmed at the Expo amidst guerrilla challenges. The hosts reflect on Japan-Taiwan relations, reconciliation after WWII, and personal memories of expos, bringing nostalgia and insightful commentary on cultural ties.

Join the hosts as they celebrate Taiwan's vibrant bird life, from endemic species like the flamecrest to the revered, yet humble chicken. Explore the fascinating world of bird omens and learn about the unique chicken beheading rituals once used in folk judicial practices. Discover how these traditions have intertwined with modern politics and even pigeon racing culture, where champion birds reign supreme. And don't miss the inspiring story of conservation success for the black-faced spoonbill!

Robert Parker, former president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Taipei, shares gripping insights from his time during the U.S. derecognition of Taiwan in 1979. He recounts how he transitioned from a business leader to a de facto diplomat, navigating the complexities of U.S.-China relations. Parker highlights the shocking impacts on the Taiwanese community, including the creation of a civilian radio station in just 90 days. He also discusses his influential testimony that helped shape the Taiwan Relations Act and reflects on the political dynamics behind President Carter's decisions.