Strait Forward

• Episode 8 - The Birth of Taiwan's Chip Industry

  In this episode of Strait Forward, hosts Channing Lee and Libby Lange dive deep into the origin story of Taiwan's world-leading semiconductor industry. From the initial "breakfast meeting" that set the course, to the deliberate strategic decisions, government foresight, and the development of crucial "cluster effects" that paved the way, Channing and Libby explore the foundations of Taiwan's chip prowess.This episode features Michelle Yun, Corporate Communications Manager at UMC (United Microelectronics Corporation), Taiwan's first semiconductor company established in 1980. Michelle discusses UMC's foundational role in Taiwan's chip ecosystem, its pure-play foundry business model, and how legacy chips power our everyday lives. She also provides an inside look into how Taiwan's tech companies navigate complex geopolitical landscapes as global innovation competition intensifies.Introduction to Michelle Yun (00:05:45:16 - 00:06:20:10): The hosts welcome Michelle Yun, Corporate Communications Manager at UMC, Taiwan's first semiconductor company, to share its founding story.The Birth of Taiwan Semiconductor (00:06:20:12 - 00:09:43:23): Michelle recounts the "breakfast shop" meeting where key officials decided to pivot to semiconductors.Strategic Decisions for Industry Success (00:09:44:02 - 00:14:11:08): Discussion of crucial government decisions, including the founding of ITRI (Industrial Technology Research Institute) and the establishment of the Hsinchu Science Park, and the benefits of industrial clusters.UMC's Business Model and Role (00:14:11:10 - 00:17:18:04): Michelle explains UMC's evolution as a pure-play foundry and its significance in democratizing chip design for fabless companies like Nvidia and Qualcomm.Defining Legacy vs. Leading-Edge Chips (00:17:18:06 - 00:21:20:18): Michelle provides a technical explanation of nanometer definitions and clarifies why legacy chips (e.g., 14nm and larger) remain crucial for various applications despite being older technology.Talent Ecosystem in Taiwan (00:25:41:13 - 00:28:10:14): Michelle explains why semiconductors are a common topic and attractive career path in Taiwan due to industry size, high pay, and global opportunities.Navigating Geopolitical Complexities (00:28:10:16 - 00:31:09:01): Michelle discusses how geopolitical shifts, particularly since COVID-19, have complicated the global semiconductor supply chain and how UMC manages risks.Competition and Expansion Strategies (00:31:09:03 - 00:34:27:10): Discussion on the competitive landscape, including China's investments, and UMC's cautious approach to capacity expansion, citing its Singapore fab and collaboration with Intel.Trusted Partnerships (00:34:27:12 - 00:35:39:22): Channing highlights Vice President Hsiao's emphasis on trusted partnerships as a cornerstone of the U.S.-Taiwan semiconductor relationship.Future of Semiconductors and AI (00:35:40:00 - 00:37:11:13): Michelle discusses how ongoing trends like automation and AI will continue to drive semiconductor growth and innovation.Michelle Yun's Taiwan Recommendation (00:37:11:15 - 00:38:13:18): Michelle recommends trying breakfast soup dumplings in Taiwan, especially from less famous, local spots.Reflections on the Conversation (00:38:46:16 - 00:40:44:21): Channing and Libby reflect on sustained government support and the critical role of relationships (clustering effect, talent ecosystem, people-to-people ties) in Taiwan's semiconductor success. Strait Forward is a podcast by the Special Competitive Studies Project.

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• Episode 7 - Keeping Watch on U.S.-Taiwan Ties

  How is the U.S.-Taiwan relationship evolving in the face of major geopolitical shifts? Chieh-Ting Yeh, Director of US Taiwan Watch, joins hosts Channing Lee and Libby Lange for a new episode of Strait Forward to explore the current dynamics and future of U.S.-Taiwan relations, examining cultural perceptions, economic ties, and the crucial role of people-to-people connections.Introduction to Chieh-Ting Yeh (00:04:19 - 00:06:12): Hosts welcome Ting Yeh, Director of US Taiwan Watch, who shares his background and the organization's mission to bridge understanding between the United States and Taiwan.The Origins of U.S. Taiwan Watch (00:06:13 - 00:09:49): Discussion about the unique beginnings of US Taiwan Watch as a hackathon project focused on tracking Taiwan-related legislation in the U.S. Congress.Ting’s Personal Journey (00:09:49 - 00:14:07): Ting shares his experiences growing up in Taiwan, his move to the United States, and the political awakenings that led to his interest in U.S.-Taiwan relations.Early Involvement in Taiwan Issues (00:14:07 - 00:17:58): Tracing Ting's engagement in Taiwanese student activism and the realization of differing narratives between Taiwan and the United States.Founding Critical and Media (Ketagalan Project) (00:18:42 - 00:25:25): An overview of the creation of this early English-language platform providing Taiwan-centric perspectives and covering key events like the Sunflower Movement.Major Events Shaping US-Taiwan Relations (Past Two Decades) (00:26:19 - 00:33:19): A deeper dive into the global impact of China's evolution, President Tsai Ing-wen's leadership, and growing cultural awareness of the U.S.-Taiwan dynamic.The Increasing Significance of Semiconductors (00:36:21 - 00:40:12): Discussion on how Taiwan's crucial role in the semiconductor industry has elevated its importance in the U.S. perspective.Taiwanese Perspectives on the US Relationship (00:40:12 - 00:41:12): Exploring how Taiwanese society views the United States, particularly the question of the United States as a reliable friend.Generational Differences in Views in Taiwan (00:41:47 - 00:44:41): Insights into how different generations in Taiwan perceive the U.S. relationship based on their unique historical contexts.Misconceptions on Both Sides (00:44:41 - 00:47:26): Addressing common misunderstandings about Taiwan in the United States (e.g., threat perception) and about the United States in Taiwan (e.g., the monolithic view of U.S. policy).Future Opportunities for US-Taiwan Engagement (00:47:26 - 00:50:26): Discussion on potential avenues for closer collaboration in technology, investment, and cultural exchange.Shifting the Narrative: Taiwan as an Asset (00:51:14 - 00:52:16): The importance of framing Taiwan not as a problem but as a valuable partner for the United States.Ting's Recommendation for Understanding Taiwan (00:52:16 - 00:52:16): Ting recommends visiting his hometown of Daxi (大溪) to experience the intersection of Taiwan's diverse cultures and history. Strait Forward is a podcast by the Special Competitive Studies Project.

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• Episode 6 - The KMT's Blueprint for the Future

  In this episode of Strait Forward, hosts Channing Lee and Libby Lange continue their exploration of Taiwan's political landscape by focusing on the Kuomintang (KMT), one of the island's two major political parties. Featuring an interview with Assistant Director of International Affairs for the KMT, Howard Cheng-Hao Shen, the conversation covers Shen’s personal journey into the party, the KMT's relationship with the United States and China, its efforts to engage younger generations, and its vision for Taiwan's future.Introduction to Howard Cheng-Hao Shen (00:04:19 - 00:06:12): The hosts welcome Howard Shen, Assistant Director of International Affairs for the KMT, who shares his background and involvement with the party.The KMT's Office in Washington D.C. (00:06:13 - 00:09:49): Discussion about the KMT's efforts to re-establish and maintain a representative office in the U.S. to deepen relationships and communication.Howard Shen's Personal Journey to the KMT (00:09:49 - 00:14:07): Howard shares his personal reasons for supporting the KMT, including a shift in perspective and alignment with the party's mission.The KMT's Historical Roots and Ideals (00:14:07 - 00:17:58): Tracing the KMT's founding by Sun Yat-sen in Hawaii and its early Republican ideals, as well as its complex history in modern China and Taiwan.The KMT's History in Taiwan Post-1949 (00:18:42 - 00:25:25): An overview of the KMT's rule in Taiwan, including the period of martial law and the eventual democratic transition initiated by the party.The KMT's Approach to China Under Ma Ying-jeou (00:26:19 - 00:33:19): A deeper dive into the KMT's rationale for pursuing closer economic and political ties with mainland China during Ma's administration, within the context of global trends.The KMT's Current Position on China (00:36:21 - 00:40:12): Howard explains the KMT's current "2D" policy: strong defense combined with maintaining channels for dialogue with Beijing.American Perspectives on Cross-Strait Dialogue (00:40:12 - 00:41:12): A brief discussion on the differing viewpoints within the U.S. regarding dialogue with Beijing.The KMT's Future Vision and Younger Voices (00:41:47 - 00:44:41): Insights into the KMT's goals for internationalization and rejuvenation, and the increasing involvement of younger individuals within the party.The KMT's Push for Parliamentary Reform (00:44:41 - 00:47:26): Discussion on the KMT's efforts to reform Taiwan's legislative processes to enhance checks and balances.The KMT's Stance on the Defense Budget (00:47:26 - 00:50:26): Howard clarifies the KMT's position on recent defense budget discussions, emphasizing the context of record-high proposed and approved budgets.Howard Shen's Recommendation for Understanding Taiwan (00:51:14 - 00:52:16): Howard recommends trying "neuro tongue" (beef soup) as a way to experience Taiwanese culture. Strait Forward is a podcast by the Special Competitive Studies Project.

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• Episode 5 - The DPP's Agenda for Taiwan

  In this episode of "Strait Forward," Channing Lee and Libby Lange explore the history and evolution of Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) from its grassroots origins during the authoritarian era to its current standing. Featuring an interview with Iris Shaw, Director of the DPP's US mission, the discussion covers the party's advocacy for democratic reforms, its transition to governance, its work in Washington D.C., and its policy priorities under President Lai Ching-te.Introduction to the DPP and Early Discussion (00:00:40 - 00:08:03): Hosts Channing and Libby introduce their series on Taiwan's political parties by focusing on the ruling DPP. Libby shares her experiences working for President Tsai, highlighting international engagement and Taiwan's global profile. The discussion then covers key accomplishments of Tsai's administration (US-Taiwan relations, defense reforms, New Southbound Policy) and the initial themes under President Lai (societal defense resilience, AI investment, pragmatic foreign policy).Introduction to Iris Shaw, Director of DPP's US Mission (00:08:45 - 00:09:59): The hosts welcome Iris Shaw, who introduces her role and her extensive experience working with the DPP both in Taiwan and the United States.The DPP's Mission in the US (00:12:50 - 00:15:05): Iris explains the three-fold mission of the DPP in the U.S.: to invest in relationships, align interests, and compete against misinformation.History of the DPP's Founding (00:17:39 - 00:21:42): A look back at the DPP's establishment in 1986 during Taiwan's martial law period, driven by the pursuit of freedom and democracy, and the evolution of its platform regarding Taiwan's status.Transition from Activism to Governance (00:22:53 - 00:27:02): Discussion on the challenges and lessons learned as the DPP transitioned from a grassroots opposition movement to governing Taiwan, including the establishment of policy platforms for cross-strait relations.Interaction with Other Political Parties in the US (00:27:04 - 00:30:50): Iris shares insights into the DPP's interactions with other political entities in Washington D.C., emphasizing a focus on factual communication rather than direct political infighting.Continuity and Change Under President Lai (00:31:15 - 00:37:57): An examination of the policy continuities from the Tsai administration to the Lai administration, as well as new areas of emphasis, particularly in defense, foreign policy messaging, and economic diplomacy focused on future industries.The Role of Young People in the DPP (00:38:59 - 00:43:13): Discussion on how young people are influencing the DPP's policymaking and their hopes for Taiwan's future, including efforts to engage youth in public service and policy discussions.Addressing American Misconceptions About the DPP (00:43:33 - 00:46:52): Iris addresses common misunderstandings Americans might have about the DPP, particularly regarding its stance on independence and its progressive domestic policies, while highlighting shared anti-communist values.Iris Shaw's Recommendation for Understanding Taiwan (00:46:52 - 00:49:44): Iris recommends learning about the "Keep Taiwan Free" bear and the broader movement for Taiwan's international participation as a way to understand Taiwanese identity and aspirations. Strait Forward is a podcast by the Special Competitive Studies Project.

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• Episode 4 - National Security

  China's military pressure on Taiwan is escalating. How is Taiwan responding? Fei-Fan Lin, Deputy Secretary-General of Taiwan’s National Security Council, joins hosts Channing Lee and Libby Lange to provide crucial insights into Taiwan's defense strategies.  This episode explores Taiwan's multifaceted approach to national security, lessons learned from the Ukraine war, and the importance of societal resilience.Check out some related works:Two Island Nations, From Neighbors to PartnersTaiwan: A Case Study in Resilience and InnovationBeijing’s Play for Taiwan’s Young Voices IntensifiesComing up: SCSP’s AI+ Expo for National Competitiveness, June 2-4 in Washington, DC. Register here! Strait Forward is a podcast by the Special Competitive Studies Project.

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