The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa Files

Former U.S. president Jimmy Carter only served one term, but those four years were rough: oil embargos, inflation, the Iran hostage crisis, and the decision to recognize the People’s Republic of China (PRC). It was an unpopular move, especially in Taiwan. President Carter asked his deputy secretary of state, Warren Christopher, to go to Taipei and deal with the fallout. Christopher received possibly the most hostile “welcome” to Taiwan ever experienced by an American government official.  Pics, videos, links and more at formosafiles.com

LISTEN TO THE STORY OF THE HIJACKING OF CHINA AIRLINES FLIGHT 334 IN CHINESE! 「僵局」一詞定義了 1970 年代和 1980 年代初台灣與中國的關係。雙方都不想透過「官方」會談或交流承認對方的合法性，因此郵政、航班的聯繫以及兩岸相隔數十年的家人團聚等想法都難以推動。但就在 1986 年，由空軍 U2 偵察機飛行員轉任的中華航空機長王錫爵幹了一件不可思議的事——劫持自己駕駛的貨機並將其飛往廣州，也為兩岸關係帶來改變的契機。重要單字：defect、assume。 主持人簡介： Eryk Michael Smith－ICRT南臺灣特派員，長期從事記者採編工作、聲音編輯，也會客串DJ。現居高雄，在臺灣已經居住了接近30年，認為臺灣是自己的家。 Eric Hsu（徐葆權）－彰化北斗人，從大學南漂高雄以來，人生的大部分時間都在高雄渡過。關心臺灣文史與地方文化發展，尤其是自己的兩個家鄉：北斗與高雄。

Drawing on an account never before told in English, we visit Taiwan in the company of French war correspondent Reginald Kann. Upon his arrival in Taihoku (Taipei), he hurries down to the city of Chiayi to investigate the aftermath of the massive 7.1 magnitude Meishan Earthquake of March 17, 1906. Kann reports on the damage and the relief efforts being carried out by Taiwan's relatively new Japanese masters. He gives us a fascinating look at the disaster (which took 1,258 lives) and also Japanese colonial rule as it was moving from military subjugation to development. The Frenchman’s “Report on Formosa” was published in French and Dutch. Now, thanks to AI and the talents of a Formosa Files fan, we can bring you the tale in English.  Info, pics and more at formosafiles.com  

Guest John Ross shares his feelings about the recent Taiwan earthquake compared to the devastating 921 quake from 1999. The podcast discusses Taiwan's resilience, lessons learned from past disasters, and the unity of the community in the face of adversity. The chapters explore personal experiences during earthquakes, political maneuvers post-disaster, and societal shifts in beliefs and resilience.

The podcast discusses the historical significance of Taipei's iconic buildings and their role in Taiwan's cultural renaissance. It explores the transformation of the National Theatre and Concert Hall, the evolution of supporting local artists, and the fusion of Taiwanese Indigenous music with Western symphony orchestra. The podcast also highlights efforts to enhance accessibility and inclusivity in performance venues.

Architect Yang Cho-cheng discusses his iconic designs in Taipei, like the CKS Memorial Hall and National Theater, reflecting Taiwan's history. The podcast explores the transformation of Taipei's architectural landscape, from military sites to cultural landmarks representing democracy and Chinese influence. Detailed preparations and successful performances at the National Theater showcase Taiwan's embrace of Western opera.

People do indeed marry ghosts in Taiwan! Formosa Files does not mean to mock or in any way be disrespectful to local traditions. Instead, we hope this episode’s two main ghost stories – one (probably) a tall tale – and the other a true story of a man taking a ghost bride, will offer listeners important insights into Taiwanese culture, belief systems, folk religion, and ideas about family, and filial piety. More common in yesteryears, but ghost marriages remain part of local traditions into the 21st century.  More info at formosafiles.com

Former CNN China correspondent, Mike Chinoy, discusses his experiences reporting on Tiananmen Square. He talks about his first trip to Taiwan in 1974, the CCP crackdown in Hong Kong, and Taiwan's transformation into the freest nation in Asia.

Gyalo Thondup རྒྱལ་ལོ་དོན་འགྲུབ has had a very interesting life. Born in 1927, he’s the second-eldest brother of the current (and 14th) Dalai Lama. Brother Thondup has long been an unofficial envoy for the Tibetan leader-in-exile, and in May 1950, Gyalo Thondup became the first “officially acknowledged” Tibetan to visit Taiwan since 1949. What was he doing here? Why Taiwan? What were then-president CKS's feelings about Tibet? Find out in this week’s Formosa Files episode.  See pics and more at formosafiles.com

The podcast explores the 1973 Qijin Ferry Tragedy where 25 young women drowned, leading to improved public safety. It delves into the challenges faced during the evacuation, the shortcomings in safety measures, and the establishment of a burial site. The episode also discusses the success of the Gao-Shong Export Processing Zone in Taiwan and reflects on the tragic loss while highlighting safety improvements in ferry transportation.