Strait Forward

Latest Episodes:

How to Brew Taiwanese Tea Apr 28, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Strait Forward, host Channing Lee sits down with Paul Chang, founder of the Morganhope Tea Shoppe in Taipei, to discuss the history and uniqueness of Taiwanese tea. As a "first-generation tea maker," Paul explains how his shop blends modern practices with ancient craftsmanship. He walks Channing through a tea tasting experience, exploring the spectrum of seaweed-like notes in Taiwanese green tea to the honeyed sweetness of Oriental Beauty oolong.

Strait Forward is a podcast by the Special Competitive Studies Project.

Japan's Stake in the Taiwan Strait Apr 14, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Strait Forward, host Channing Lee is joined by Ken Moriyasu, Senior Fellow at the Hudson Institute and former foreign correspondent for Nikkei Asia, to discuss how Japan is navigating its stake in Taiwan’s future. Drawing on decades of experience reporting from Beijing, Washington, and Tokyo, Moriyasu provides a sobering, pragmatic assessment of the Japan-Taiwan relationship and the shifting geopolitical realities of the Indo-Pacific. They discuss the recent, controversial statements by Prime Minister Takaichi, who described a Taiwan contingency as "survival-threatening" for Japan, as well as Japan’s potential role in a cross-strait conflict.

Strait Forward is a podcast by the Special Competitive Studies Project.

A Ghost Nation’s Struggle for Survival Mar 31, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Strait Forward, host Channing Lee is joined by Taipei-based freelance journalist Chris Horton to discuss his new book, Ghost Nation: The Story of Taiwan and Its Struggle for Survival. With over two decades of experience reporting for major news outlets from China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, Horton offers an "outsider-on-the-inside" perspective on the island’s history and how Taiwan has evolved from a geopolitical afterthought to an indispensable global player that still struggles for formal recognition.

Strait Forward is a podcast by the Special Competitive Studies Project.

Why Taiwan Matters to Every U.S. City & State (Subnational Diplomacy Explained) Mar 17, 2026

Show notes

Strait Forward celebrates its first anniversary with a special crossover episode featuring SCSP’s in-person “Chipping In” event series! Host Channing Lee welcomes on stage Andrea Yang, Deputy Representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (TECRO), to discuss how Taiwan is engaging in subnational diplomacy across American cities and states. She provides a historical overview of Taiwan’s resilient diplomatic efforts since 1979, highlighting how Taiwan’s 13 representative offices, numerous "Sister City" relationships, and significant tech industry investments across America foster critical cultural, agricultural, economic, and tech ties between the United States and Taiwan.

Strait Forward is a podcast by the Special Competitive Studies Project.

How to Cook Taiwanese Cuisine Mar 03, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of Strait Forward, host Channing Lee explores the rich tapestry of Taiwanese culture through the lens of its world-class cuisine. Moving beyond the "clichés" of beef noodle soup (牛肉麵) and xiaolongbao (小籠包), the episode highlights how food serves as a powerful unifier and a key component of Taiwan's global soft power.

Author and award-winning food journalist Clarissa Wei discusses her cookbook, Made in Taiwan: Recipes and Stories from the Island Nation, explaining how centuries of history—from Japanese colonial rule to post-war American influence—have created a unique culinary melting pot. The episode then moves into the kitchen as cooking instructor Ivy Chen joins Channing for a hands-on lesson in making Stir-Fried Rice Vermicelli, or Chao Mi Fen (炒米粉), teaching the essential wok techniques and "folding" methods that define authentic Taiwanese home cooking.

Strait Forward is a podcast by the Special Competitive Studies Project.

Civilian Preparedness Through Film & TV Feb 18, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of Strait Forward, Channing Lee is joined by Lin Jin-Chang and David Kao, among the creators of Taiwanese TV series “Zero Day Attack,” to discuss the important role that film and television play in civilian preparedness. Released in August 2025, “Zero Day Attack” depicts the grey-zone threats that the PRC poses to Taiwan and the resilience of the Taiwanese people amid the pending threat of invasion. The show is currently only available to watch in Taiwan and Japan. A former National Security Council official in Taiwan, executive producer Lin shares how he brought his decades of experience in government to the script to ensure an authentic portrayal of PRC hybrid warfare tactics. The series is the first to portray cross-strait tensions on the big screen – a topic that has long been considered a "taboo" in the entertainment industry due to the pressure of the Chinese market.

Strait Forward is a podcast by the Special Competitive Studies Project.

Cognitive Warfare & Civilian Defense Feb 02, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of Strait Forward, host Channing Lee sits down in Taipei with Puma Shen, a member of Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan, associate professor of criminology at National Taipei University, and co-founder of Kuma Academy and Doublethink Lab. Puma breaks down the multitude of threats that Taiwanese civilians face from Beijing, ranging from traditional military coercion to the invisible battleground of cognitive warfare, their impact on domestic Taiwanese politics, and what ordinary citizens are doing to defend themselves. He discusses how the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) uses transnational repressions to intimidate the Taiwanese people, and why he believes it is important to stay strong.

Strait Forward is a podcast by the Special Competitive Studies Project.

Unpacking the U.S.-China Commission's Recommendations on Taiwan + Predictions for 2026 Jan 12, 2026

Show notes

In this first episode of 2026, host Channing Lee rings in the new year with a look at recent events surrounding Taiwan, including a record-breaking $11 billion U.S. arms package and unannounced, large-scale PLA military exercises. Randy Shriver and Mike Kuiken, Chair and Vice Chair of the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission, join Channing to discuss the USCC’s 2025 Annual Report and its recommendations to the U.S. Congress on Taiwan, predictions for the region in 2026, and the critical "window of opportunity" for deterrence as 2027 looms closer.

Strait Forward is a podcast by the Special Competitive Studies Project.

Unpacking Taiwan’s Wild Year — And Libby Reveals What’s Next Dec 15, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of Strait Forward, hosts Channing and Libby wrap up the year in Taiwan news, reflecting on a turbulent but ultimately optimistic 2025. They discuss major geopolitical and defense developments, including Japan's assertive comments on Taiwan's security, Taiwan's increased defense budget, and recent U.S. arms sales and legislative assurances. Following a special announcement, Libby reflects on her years living and working in Taiwan, sharing personal stories, and explaining why the democratic island is an essential model for the world.

Strait Forward is a podcast by the Special Competitive Studies Project.

Taiwan's Vision for Space Dec 08, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of Strait Forward, recorded live at SCSP’s AI+ Space Summit, Channing and Libby speak with Holmes Liao, Senior Advisor at the Taiwan Space Agency (TASA), about how Taiwan is rapidly building its space capabilities. The discussion covers Taiwan's latest FORMOSAT satellite launch, its efforts to leverage existing strengths in electronics and manufacturing, and how both private and public sector initiatives are integrating AI for smart satellite operations. They also discuss how Taiwan is overcoming geopolitical challenges in space through international and commercial partnerships to safeguard security in the Indo-Pacific.

Strait Forward is a podcast by the Special Competitive Studies Project.

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