The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa Files

S4-E29 - Two Odd and Forgotten Books Oct 31, 2024

Need a break from typhoons (Taiwan)? Need to escape the non-stop political election-related noise (USA)? Or maybe you simply would like to hear John and Eryk babble about a couple of strange out-of-print books with a Taiwan connection (everyone)?

This week we meander, go off on tangents, tell virtually unknown stories (including mysterious deaths), and discuss two books we bet you’ve never heard of, let alone read.

Also: Happy Halloween (and of course, it's Chiang Kai-shek's birthday).

More info and links at FORMOSA FILES DOT COM

FORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH29-臺灣人的英文老師？—專訪 ICRT 總經理 Tim Berge Oct 30, 2024

說到臺灣人早期學習英文的機會，ICRT大概是其中一個大家最熟悉的媒介。ICRT這個廣播電台的歷史從1957年的美軍電台開始，到1979年因為中美斷交而將設備象徵性的「賣」給中華民國政府，並在同年催生了「ICRT」，台北國際社區廣播電台（International Community Radio Taipei）至今，已經用ICRT這個名字在臺灣播送了45年。由於是臺灣歷史上唯一的英語廣播電台，又容易收聽，自然成為臺灣人學習英文與接觸外國文化的重要來源。這回的 Formosa Files 中文版 Podcast，就由主持人 Eryk Michael Smith 來專訪ICRT的總經理 Tim Berge，一起為大家說說ICRT的故事。

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。

來賓簡介：

Tim Berge（白健文）－來自美國明尼蘇達州，於1990年加入ICRT，在空中帶領通勤族從臺灣的混亂交通中找出一條回家的安全道路。目前擔任總經理，擅長英語和中文，熱愛火鍋和跑步，並喜歡看喜劇和享受戶外生活。

S4-E28 - The Pirate Husband-and-Wife Duo Who Terrorized Taiwan (1800-1809) Oct 24, 2024

She loved opium, handsome pirates, and spoke English... plus she allegedly sometimes went into battle topless! He was a pirate warlord who, at one point, had hundreds of ships and tens of thousands of men under his control.

Meet the Tsais (Cais): a crazy couple who deservedly became absolute legends.

This story's English information comes mostly from Maritime Taiwan: Historical Encounters with the East and the West (East Gate Books) by Prof. Henry Tsai.

Visit formosafiles.com for more links and info.

FORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH28-重獲自由的反共義士—韓戰與一二三自由日 Oct 22, 2024

國府在1949年播遷來臺的當下，美國發表聲明不再介入國共內戰，中華民國幾乎真的可說是風中殘燭。然而1950年的韓戰隨即改變了這一切，也改變了許多在韓戰中被俘的中共「志願軍」軍人的命運。究竟中華民國與韓戰還有什麼關係，又為什麼會有「一二三自由日」呢？這集 Formosa Files 中文版 Podcast 就由兩位主持人來跟大家聊聊一二三自由日的故事。

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。

S4-E27 - NBC "Old Timey Radio" Show from 1946 - With Analysis from John and Eryk Oct 17, 2024

Taiwan in 1946. How will post-war Formosa turn out? Will the KMT be successful in managing the local economy? Will there be strife between the new Chinese rulers and – until very recently – Japanized Taiwanese people? Who knows? Well, we do... now.

The Formosa Files team is pleased to bring you a rare gem: clips of a radio program by NBC, recorded in late 1946, just a little more than a year after the end of World War II.

John and Eryk will play segments of this radio docu-drama and then comment on the facts, add info, explain context, and more. Enjoy this experience, which really feels like a kind of time travel!

Info and links at formosafiles.com

FORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH27-橫行海上的女海盜—大海盜蔡牽媽與蔡牽 Oct 15, 2024

中國東南沿海、臺灣海峽一帶自從明朝實施海禁政策以來，就成為了海盜橫行的海域，一直到清朝年間都還有海盜出沒，甚至還有許多名震四海的女性海盜。在1790年代，就誕生了一對海盜夫妻：蔡牽與蔡牽媽，堪稱是當時最強盛也最特別的海盜。這集 Formosa Files 中文版 Podcast 就由兩位主持人來跟大家聊聊，大海盜蔡牽媽與蔡牽的故事。

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。

S4-E26 - Bits and Pieces - October 2024 Oct 10, 2024

Did you know?

1. Joseph Stalin saved Chinese characters. (um… sort of)

2. In Qing-era Taiwan, two men sometimes SHARED a wife!

3. John has done 10 episodes of our other podcast, “Bookish Asia.”

4. Plum Rain Press, the new publishing arm of Formosa Files, is about to release an epic historical novel by Dr. Chen Yao-chang 陳耀昌, the man behind the Netflix series Seqalu.

This week John and Eryk wander around a bit, give you some info, tell a few cool stories, and have a laugh or two in one of Formosa Files’ every-now-and-then “Bits and Pieces” episodes.

A BIG THANK YOU to all who have left a 5-star review, subscribed, and followed us on social media!

Pics, info, links, and more on our website.

FORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH26-聖母峰上的生存奇蹟—臺灣登山家高銘和 Oct 08, 2024

攀登世界第一高峰聖母峰（珠穆朗瑪峰、Mount Everest）是全世界登山家的夢想。臺灣自1990年代起，也開始陸續有登山家成功登上這座高峰。然而1996年在聖母峰發生了一場悲劇性的山難，當時台灣隊的高銘和也被捲入其中，卻奇蹟似的存活下來。這集 Formosa Files 中文版 Podcast 就由兩位主持人來跟大家聊聊這位臺灣登山家的故事。

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。

S4-E25 - The ROC (Taiwan) at World Expos & World Fairs Oct 03, 2024

In the first few decades after retreating from the mainland, the Republic of China on Taiwan needed to shine as brightly as possible in foreign spotlights to keep alive the idea (or some might say fantasy) that the government on Taiwan really did represent all of China, the most populous nation on earth. And so, for today’s episode, we turn to one of Taiwan’s biggest promotional efforts abroad; its largely forgotten appearance at the 1964 World’s Fair in New York City.

Visit our website for pics, links, and more.

FORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH25-賭性堅強的臺灣人—彩券、賭博在臺灣的故事 Oct 01, 2024

自從國民政府遷臺後，政府急需資金填補預算的黑洞；此外，臺灣自1970、1980年代經濟起飛後，人民財富迅速累積，一些人就開始追求「一擲千金」的刺激感，或是追尋一夜致富的手段。再加上或許臺灣人有種「賭性堅強」的性格，造就了臺灣歷史長久的賭博文化。這集 Formosa Files 中文版 Podcast 就由兩位主持人來跟大家聊聊，彩券與賭博在臺灣的故事。

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。

S4 - [ENCORE] - Taiwanese-American Director Ang Lee Wins Again Sep 27, 2024

To celebrate Oscar-winning director Ang Lee (李安) being named the winner for theater/film of the 2024 Praemium Imperiale, a global arts prize awarded annually by the Japan Art Association, we thought we'd reprise our Ang Lee bio episode from Formosa Files Season 2. Enjoy!

S4 - HIGH-TECH MINI BONUS EPISODE - AI and Foot Binding in Taiwan (What?) Sep 25, 2024

What does AI have to do with foot binding in Taiwan? Well, it's a 14-minute mini episode, so you're just gonna have to listen and find out.

We will, however, offer these three links:

1. NotebookLM by Google

2. The Rise And Fall Of Chánzú: A Short History Of Footbinding In Taiwan by Kate Allanson Conlon

3. Taipei Times BOOK REVIEW: Bound for better things? by Han Cheung

FORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH24-PLAY BALL! 臺灣的「國球」—棒球在臺灣的故事 Sep 24, 2024

說到臺灣的「國球」，雖然也有人自嘲是「贏球」，但大部分的人應該都會說是棒球。臺灣的棒球從日治時期開始發展至今，已是相對成熟的運動，從少棒開始為臺灣培養了許許多多的運動人才，也有選手去到國外發光發熱。然而臺灣棒球雖然有輝煌的一面，卻也有黑暗的一刻。這集 Formosa Files 中文版 Podcast 就由兩位主持人來跟大家聊聊棒球在臺灣的故事。

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。

S4-E24 - Ronald Reagan and the ROC (Taiwan) Sep 19, 2024

Did you know that when the United Nations voted to admit “Red China” in 1971, then-California Governor Ronald Reagan called up President Richard Nixon and suggested that the United States quit the UN and become an “observer” in protest?

To some, Reagan was and is controversial, but when it comes to support for the Republic of China (Taiwan), there is no debate: Reagan thought Nixon and – especially Carter – were wrong to “throw a loyal friend overboard.”

Reagan came to Taiwan twice. The first time, in 1971, he was here as a reluctant envoy of Nixon on a mission to try and calm the fears of CKS over Nixon’s upcoming meeting with Mao in Beijing. During the second visit, as a private citizen in 1978, Reagan met with leader-in-waiting Chiang Ching-kuo and went back to the US full of praise for a modernizing Taiwan.

When President Carter switched diplomatic relations from Taipei to Beijing, Reagan stated that the US didn’t get enough out of it. He pointed out that China was the “supplicant,” and therefore in a position of weakness, and Reagan said that the precedent of betraying a friend would not be forgotten by other friends of the US.

Maybe he had a point.

Visit formosafiles.com for links to videos, pics, info and more.

And check out our other podcast about books: Bookish Asia.

FORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH23-在臺灣的「外國人」—可能比你還臺灣的外國人 Sep 17, 2024

臺灣是個與全球接軌的島嶼，從過去到現在，都有許多「外國人」來到這個地方。有些人就只是短暫的過客，但也有許多人就此留在臺灣生活，融入臺灣的社會。然而這些甚至可能比你我都還臺灣的「外國人」，又真的成為「臺灣人」了嗎？就讓 Formosa Files 中文版的兩位主持人來與大家聊聊。

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。

S4-E23 - Taiwan’s President in Exile – Thomas Liao. Sep 12, 2024

This forgotten father of Taiwan democracy sacrificed his comfortable life (he came from a rich family and had a PhD from the US in Chemical Engineering) to fight for Taiwanese independence in the post-WW2 decades.

In 1956 he was elected president of the Japan-based Republic of Taiwan Provisional Government. In some ways, he also sacrificed his Chinese-American wife and children. So, when his American granddaughter Kim Liao was growing up, Thomas Liao was almost never mentioned.

In this episode, John talks to Kim about uncovering her mysterious family history, the subject of her recent outstanding book: Where Every Ghost Has a Name: A Memoir of Taiwanese Independence.

(Note: John also recorded another episode with Kim focusing on her book – see Episode 6 of Bookish Asia with Plum Rain Press)

FORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH22-百家爭鳴的手搖飲—臺灣手搖茶飲文化 Sep 10, 2024

臺灣的珍珠奶茶國際知名，但臺灣的手搖飲文化其實起源意外的早。自日治時期、美援時期為臺灣引入調酒用的雪克杯之後，泡沫紅茶店開始興起，逐漸發展成專門外帶的茶飲店，如今臺灣的手搖茶飲店家數甚至比便利商店還多。臺灣的手搖飲文化以及茶飲文化，又有些什麼故事在裡面呢？就讓 Formosa Files 中文版的兩位主持人來跟大家聊聊。

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。

S4-E22 - Lonely Planet Travel Guidebook: Taiwan (1997-1998) Sep 05, 2024

Lonely Planet travel guidebooks provided some of best info on a new destination in the pre-internet era, and the late Robert Storey (1954-2017) wrote quite a few of them... including the first four editions for Taiwan.

Robert Storey’s Lonely Planet Taiwan editions are funny, sarcastic, and insightful, and they now serve as wonderful “time capsules.” So, join us as we peek back at the late 1990s, and discover what’s changed - as well as what hasn't.

Pics, links, and more at formosafiles.com

FORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH21-來臺一定要吃的臭豆腐？—臺灣夜市與特色食物 Sep 03, 2024

網路上討論最熱烈的臺灣夜市特色食物，大概莫過於「臭豆腐」。雖然贊否兩論，但外國人來臺灣時，只要問臺灣人「推薦吃什麼」，大概都會被推薦去夜市吃臭豆腐。這集Formosa Files 的中文版 podcast，就由兩位主持人來聊聊臭豆腐、夜市與一些特色食物。

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。

S4-E21 - Beggar Boy - an incredible tale of resilience Aug 29, 2024

Lai Dongjin 賴東進 was born into a “beggar family.” His dad is blind, his mom has a mental illness. He has 11 siblings! Many born into such a disadvantaged position would throw up their hands, blame fate, and quit the fight for life. But Lai refused to surrender – no matter how high the odds. His 2000 autobiography "Beggar Boy" was a best-seller (no English version) and today, Formosa Files brings you his remarkable story.

Visit the FORMOSA FILES WEBSITE for pics, links and more.

FORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH20-世界No.1的臺灣機車—臺灣人最愛的交通工具 Aug 27, 2024

臺灣雖然只是個小島，但是機車密度卻是世界第一，幾乎到了平均每個成年人都擁有一部機車的程度。對很多人來說，機車也似乎就像是從青少年「登大人」的象徵，有了第一部機車，就像是可以開始脫離家裡的掌控一樣。這個與臺灣人有許多因緣的交通工具，究竟有些什麼歷史故事呢？這集的 Formosa Files 中文版 podcast 中，就讓兩位主持人來跟大家聊聊。

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。

S4-E20 – Democracy Fighter and Taiwan History Professor Gerrit van der Wees Aug 22, 2024

Did you know that all the water buffalo in Taiwan are the descendants of a group of these bovines from Indonesia (formerly the Dutch East Indies)? These poor water buffalo were put on a sailing ship by the Dutch in 1648 and sent to Taiwan!

Who knew? Well, former Dutch diplomat and current George Mason University Taiwan history professor Gerrit van der Wees does… and that’s not all he knows.

It was a genuine pleasure to chat with a person who's not only studied Taiwan extensively but who also played a big role in Taiwan’s fight to become a democracy.

The day before former President Tsai Ing-wen stepped down, she honored van der Wees by conferring on him the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon, primarily for his work as chief editor of Taiwan Communiqué, a bi-monthly publication that chronicled Taiwan’s transition to democracy from 1980 to 2016.

More info at formosafiles.com

AND: Check out our other podcast on books - Bookish Asia

FORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH19-不（？）野生的動物園—六福村與臺灣動物園 Aug 20, 2024

提到臺灣的野生動物園，大家都會想到六福村。一部分聽眾朋友可能還會有記憶，以前甚至可以直接開車入園，直接在車上看動物。雖然六福村在1990年代起就逐漸不再允許開車入園，但2024年又重新少量開放，蔚為一波話題。這集的 Formosa Files 中文版 Podcast，就讓兩位主持人來跟大家聊聊印象中的六福村與其它臺灣的動物園。

S4-E19 - Taiwan's Olympic GOAT? Mike Chinoy's New Documentary "Decathlon: The CK Yang & Rafer Johnson Story" Aug 16, 2024

The incredible story of Amis Taiwanese Olympic decathlete Maysang Kalimud, better known as CK Yang (楊傳廣), was one of the first stories featured in the first season of Formosa Files (December 2021).

At that time, John and Eryk bemoaned how little-known this amazing Indigenous Taiwanese athlete is and expressed hopes a movie about him might get made.

Well, we got the next best thing: a riveting documentary about the man who is arguably Taiwan's Olympic "greatest of all time" (GOAT) by CNN legend Mike Chinoy: Decathlon: The CK Yang & Rafer Johnson Story.

FORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH18-「好兄弟」們的放風假期—臺灣的「鬼月」 Aug 13, 2024

每年的農曆七月，就是臺灣民俗的「鬼月」。傳說在這個月裡，「好兄弟」們會回返陽間，人們也會準備各式供品讓祂們享用。而這個特別的月裡，也有非常多的禁忌；雖然現代人不一定願意再遵守這些禁忌，但一定都曾聽過身邊的人談論這些奇妙的規矩。不過「鬼月」真的是中華文化傳統當中的習俗嗎？這集podcast就讓兩位主持人來跟大家聊聊「鬼月」的一些歷史小故事與禁忌。

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。

S4 – INTERVIEW: The Island: a personal account of Taiwan’s extraordinary transformation by Mark O’Neill Aug 08, 2024

John chats with veteran Hong Kong-based journalist and author of The Island (2024) Mark O'Neill, who tells us what Taiwan was like in the early 1980s, when he first came to study Chinese.

Despite a mysterious knife attack and various authoritarian elements (such as “mail boxes” for reporting spies and subversives), he loved the country.

Over the next four decades, he made numerous trips back, witnessing and reporting on Taiwan’s transformation from one party rule to an admirable democracy.

The Island is not Mark’s first Taiwan book – earlier works include ones on Buddhist charity Tzu Chi and the National Palace Museum – so he brings both depth and breadth to his entertaining look at the country.

FORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH17-改變臺灣社區的便利商店—另類的「臺灣奇蹟」 Aug 06, 2024

臺灣的便利商店密度，幾乎已經可說是舖天蓋地的程度。在城市中，幾乎每兩三個路口就有一間；城市以外的區域，便利商店也是上山下海無所不在。臺灣人個人乃至於整個社區的生活習慣，都因為便利商店而發生了翻天覆地的變化。至於便利商店在臺灣，又有些什麼有趣的故事呢？就讓Formosa Files中文版的兩位主持人來跟大家聊聊。

S4-E18 - Taiwan's Greatest Modern Company - TSMC (The Morris Chang story) Aug 01, 2024

The person who did most of the work creating the company people around the world almost immediately associate with Taiwan has no ancestors from this island, was not born here, didn't go to school here, and only came here for the first time when he was almost 40 years old.

But, of course, Morris Chang 張忠謀 didn't create Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) out of thin air, nor was he the sole person who set up the famous Taiwanese microchip powerhouse. He had partners, backers, and more than a little assistance from the Taiwanese government.

As of this recording, the retired Morris Chang has a net worth of over US$3 billion and remains incredibly active, despite celebrating his 93rd birthday in early July. Check out this fascinating story on Formosa Files.

See video from Asianometry on TSMC.

FORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH16-改版再改版的車牌號碼—臺灣車牌的故事 Jul 30, 2024

臺灣的機車密度世界第一，若再加上其它大小車輛，大概也是世界數一數二的程度。而在臺灣，各種車輛都免不了要掛車牌，也讓車牌成為臺灣的日常街景。然而臺灣的車牌實際上經歷多次改版，街上也時常可以看到懸掛舊式車牌的車輛。而從開放車牌自選號甚至競標以來，也讓車牌有些不一樣的意義與「價值」。究竟這個最日常的風景，會有些什麼樣的故事？在這集裡，就讓Formosa Files中文版的兩位主持人來跟大家聊聊臺灣車牌的一些小故事。

S4-E17 - “UNDER PROTEST” – Taiwan at the Olympics Jul 25, 2024

Did you know we once went to the Olympics under the name “Formosa”?

At the upcoming 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, Taiwan will once again compete under the ridiculous name of “Chinese Taipei.” It’s a silly name that makes little sense... even if you are the PRC. Is there another Taipei that isn’t Chinese?

And, actually, we train our athletes in Kaohsiung, plus a good number of them are Indigenous people – so literally, they are NOT Chinese.

But most here feel participation is more important than names, and many also feel the world sees through these dumb attempts by Beijing to cover up the reality of Taiwan’s existence as a country.

This week: the story of Taiwan’s participation in the Olympics and Asian Games, and the name changes along the way.

Good luck to the “Formosan Kaohsiung” team in Paris this year!!

Visit formosafiles.com for links, pics and more.

Plus: We have a new podcast on books about Taiwan and East Asia: Bookish Asia by Plum Rain Press.

FORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH15-歷史這個東西好無聊？！—那就來聊聊歷史吧！ Jul 23, 2024

一講到「歷史」，很多人就覺得是好無聊的東西。從小到大的都被老師吩咐要「背起來」，然後又都是跟自己八竿子打不著的「歷史事件」、「歷史人物」。你也覺得是這樣嗎？來聽聽兩位主持人聊聊「歷史」吧！

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。

S4-E16 - Political Assassination Attempts, 1928-1970 Jul 18, 2024

Japanese princes, Taiwanese activists, a Korean martyr, American generals and presidents, Chiang Kai-shek and his son Chiang Ching-kuo.

It’s an action-packed episode with an amazing cast of characters. These little-known Taiwan-related assassination attempts and plots will surprise you.

And, we hope, also please you that they failed. As Eryk passionately points put at the end of the episode, assassination, even of a "bad guy" target, can lead to a worse replacement and the unleashing of chaos.

PLEASE "LIKE" or "SUBSCRIBE" or give us 5-Stars... it really makes a difference! Thanks!

Go to formosafiles.com for pics, links and more.

FORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH14-數字居然也有故事？—日常生活裡的數字故事 Jul 16, 2024

細心一點的聽眾朋友可能會在日常當中發現，「4」這個數字在生活中很容易被「消失」，尤其在樓層數和車牌號碼裡，很多時候都看不見「4」；但在國外，不見的卻常常是「13」這個數字。除此之外，在我們的生活裡還有許多數字，當然就又有許許多多的疑問。例如說，大家有沒有想過，為什麼臺灣電話的區碼是從臺北的「02」開始，沒有「01」？在這集裡，就讓Formosa Files中文版的兩位主持人來跟大家簡單聊聊一些數字的小故事。

ps. 因為天氣太熱，請原諒兩位主持人被曬昏的瘋言瘋語；若有得罪，敬請見諒！

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。

S4 - Hear Ye, Hear Ye: Summer 2024 Musings and Announcements Jul 11, 2024

In this short segment, John and Eryk first make the stunning observation that summer in subtropical Taiwan is hot. They then reflect on the "Pacific Story," an NBC radio docu-drama from 1944, an episode that was a hit with listeners. Moving along, they talk about a new podcast for book lovers: Bookish Asia with Plum Rain Press, and give more details on Plum Rain Press, a name to remember as it may soon become a big part of many readers’ lives. Enjoy the summer and catch you next Thursday!

FORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH13-引領風潮的速食餐廳—麥當勞與臺灣速食的故事 Jul 09, 2024

今年（2024）年是麥當勞來臺40週年（1984-2024）。當初麥當勞準備要進來臺灣時，並不如預想般順遂，甚至對臺灣的農業造成衝擊。然而繼麥當勞之後，臺灣的速食餐廳開始蔚為風潮，各家連鎖品牌開始湧現，甚至還出現了臺灣本土品牌的速食。究竟麥當勞與速食，在臺灣有些什麼故事呢？就讓Formosa Files中文版的兩位主持人來跟大家聊聊。重要單字：ransom、obese、globalization

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。

S4-E15 - The Community Services Center: Director Adam McMillan on the history of a place that's here to help Jul 04, 2024

A horrific murder of an American teenager by two other American teenagers in 1985 led to some serious soul-searching:

How could the international community in Taiwan (some of whom don't speak Chinese well enough to get help from local sources) aid those going through mental health crises, are in need of counseling, or simply need better ways to gather and bond?

The answer became the Community Services Center, a place where, for almost 40 years now, people help each other, organize public service activities, take language, weaving, or you-name-it classes, and much more. Adam McMillan (stepping down soon after 11 years as director) has some stories to tell.

Pics, info, and more at formosafiles.com

FORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH12-有借有還（？）的外來語—貿易、殖民與語言「借用」 Jul 02, 2024

LISTEN TO THE STORY OF ⁠LOCAL LANGUAGE LOANWORDS ⁠⁠⁠IN CHINESE!

若要說到全世界最知名的外來語，那大概就是「茶」這個字，無論「Cha」或「Tea」，都是隨著陸海貿易流傳世界。而臺灣以及鄰近的中國東南沿海，也因為頻繁的與外國商人貿易或甚至被殖民，而借用、借出了許多字彙，甚至還曾經發展出用於貿易的奇妙語言。

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。

S4 - [ENCORE] The Qing Dynasty Doesn't Really Want Taiwan (1683) Jun 27, 2024

The current Beijing authorities make bombastic claims as silly as “Taiwan has been part of China since the dawn of the universe!!” The reality, however, is quite different.

Some Chinese dynasties may not have even known of Taiwan’s existence, while others definitely knew, and stayed away. Taiwan was an island filled with “savage” native people, and a great place to die from malaria.

After the forces of Koxinga’s grandson, Zheng Keshuang 鄭克塽, were defeated by Admiral Shi Lang 施琅 in 1683, Qing dynasty China didn't jump at the chance to make the island “a part of China.”

In fact, the great emperor Kangxi 康熙帝 initially thought it best to evacuate Chinese back to China, and leave Taiwan alone. Kangxi went as far as comparing Taiwan to a “skin rash,” saying it will require a lot of “scratching” once they got it.

In the end, Shi Lang convinced the Emperor and Taiwan was absorbed into the Qing dynasty. But only parts of Taiwan.

Links, info, book recommendations, and more at formosafiles.com

FORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH11-經濟起飛下的動物悲歌—臺灣野生動物保育的不光彩過去 Jun 25, 2024

LISTEN TO THE STORY OF THE ORANGUTAN CRAZE IN CHINESE!

你相信在1980年代，也就是民國70幾年，在臺灣居然還能看到公然展示殺虎販售嗎？經濟起飛之後，人民變得富裕了，但也開始追求各種稀奇的「補品」或玩賞的動物。雖然今日的臺灣已經不再有這麼誇張的狀況，但就讓我們來聊聊，過去臺灣在野生動物保育上的一些故事。

S4-E14 - PACIFIC STORY–Formosa: Prize of the China Sea (NBC Radio, 1944) Jun 20, 2024

It’s January 1944 and the tide of WWII has changed. Though it will be a long hard grind, victory is on the horizon. To “better inform the American public,” about the situation in the Pacific, NBC creates a series of radio documentary dramas in Hollywood, with expert writers and professional voice actors. Enjoy this 80-year-old gem that traces the island’s history from the Dutch to the “Chinese” on Japanese Formosa “yearning to rejoin the fatherland... China!” This old radio drama is a wonderful snapshot in time – 1944 – before the events of the following year (Hitler’s death, two atomic bombs dropped on Japan, the formal end of WWII, and Taiwan’s “return” to the Republic of China) shaped the world we live in today.

More info at formosafiles.com

FORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH10-CIA vs. 臺灣核彈—臺灣核武與張憲義事件 Jun 18, 2024

LISTEN TO THE STORY OF CIA VS. MADE IN TAIWAN NUKES ⁠⁠⁠IN CHINESE!

1945年，美國在日本廣島、長崎投下兩顆原子彈，雖然結束了戰爭，卻為全世界帶來核武的衝突與創傷。而在中華民國，蔣介石也迫不及待的想要加入核武俱樂部。尤其在國府於1949年撤退來臺、1964年共產中國核試成功後，蔣介石對核武的焦慮更加深刻。從1965年起，臺灣在水面下祕密進行核武的實驗及武器級原料的製備，卻在1988年因為張憲義叛逃到美國而被全面終止……

重要單字：monitor、hardline、blackmail、honey trap

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。

BONUS Episode: Martial Arts Legend Hong Yixiang 洪懿祥 Jun 13, 2024

John talks with Chris Bates about one of Taiwan’s greatest ever martial artists, Hong Yixiang 洪懿祥 (1925–1993).

Hong was Taiwan’s foremost master of the Chinese internal martial arts (which consist of baguazhang 八卦掌, xingyiquan 形意拳 and taijiquan 太極拳.)

The Hong family learnt these fighting forms from exiled Mainlanders who fled the communists in the late 1940s. These skills were put to good use in dealing with local gangsters in the turbulent post-WWII years in Taipei.

Chris, who trained with Hong and his sons, translated his biography “Blurred Boundaries,” written by son Hong Ze-han, into English. Like the book, this Formosa Files episode is not just a conversation about kung fu, but a rich cultural dive down little-known alleys.

(Chris previously spoke with John about his own martial arts odyssey in Taiwan: “Bonus Episode: Way of the Warrior - Martial Arts Master Chris Bates,” May 25, 2023. )

FORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH09-在臺灣成神的飛行員—臺南海尾寮飛虎將軍 Jun 11, 2024

LISTEN TO THE STORY OF GHOST PLANES AND THE JAPANESE FIGHTER PILOT WHO BECAME A GOD IN CHINESE!

1944年10月12日，臺灣沖航空戰首日，一位年輕的日本海軍飛行員被擊墜，喪生在臺南海尾寮附近。但在戰後，這位飛行員卻被在地居民建祠崇奉，也被當地大廟的神明收為徒弟，受賜「飛虎將軍」的名號。究竟這位飛行員是誰，又為什麼在地居民要奉祀祂呢？就由Formosa Files的兩位主持人來為您說分曉。

重要單字：venerate, ritual, ejector seat

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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。

S4-E13 - China Airlines Survives Three Major Tragedies Jun 06, 2024

Three devastating crashes over an eight-year span, 1994 to 2002, with a combined 685 fatalities; a record that could easily bankrupt an airline. However, China Airlines (Taiwan's flag carrier) not only survived these horrific events but changed and flourished. They improved pilot training and communication, and built a more robust safety culture, and in 2023, China Airlines won Global Traveler magazine’s “Best Airline in North Asia” award.

Go to FORMOSAFILES.com for pictures, links, extras, and more. Song played at the end is an edited version of "Beautiful Island" by Kristin Lekven Hafell.

FORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH08-中華民國海軍封鎖中國（？）—領海封閉政策與海盜傳奇 Jun 04, 2024

LISTEN TO THE STORY OF WHEN TAIWAN (ROC) BLOCKADED CHINA (PRC) ⁠⁠⁠IN CHINESE!

隨著海空軍實力加強，中國近年一直威脅要封鎖臺灣。然而在國民政府遷臺的至少十年之間，卻一直是中華民國在封鎖共產黨中國，而且還搞出相當嚴重的外交危機，差一點點就讓中華民國海軍在國際法上成為名實相符的海盜團體。到底當時發生什麼事呢？就讓我們來一起聊聊當時中華民國的領海關閉政策。重要單字：asylum, fascist, imperialism, guerrilla

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。

[ENCORE] S4 - The Inn of the EIGHT Happinesses 八福客栈 vs. The Inn of the Sixth Happiness May 30, 2024

Gladys Aylward and Ingrid Bergman: The former, a British-born Christian missionary to China and Taiwan, the latter a three-time Academy Award winner. However despite very different lives, the two will forever be connected after a book about Aylward was turned into a Hollywood movie starring Bergman. Formosa Files has the whole story in this week's encore episode, including: Why the film wasn't shot in Taiwan, and why Gladys thought Bergman was a "wicked woman."

Go to formosafiles.com for pics, extras, and more.

FORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH07-被刻意遺忘的暴動事件—524美國大使館暴動 May 28, 2024

LISTEN TO THE STORY OF THE RIOTERS RANSACK THE TAIPEI US EMBASSY ⁠⁠IN CHINESE!

1957年（民國46年）5月24日，發生了一起令人匪夷所思的暴動事件。數千名群眾在持續一個下午的抗議示威後，侵入當時在臺北的美國大使館，破壞使館設施、毆打使館人員。究竟為什麼在戒嚴時期會有這麼大規模的暴動？又為何發生在當時的美國大使館？請聽Formosa Files中文版podcast為您一一道來。

重要單字：allow to, widow, martial law

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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。

BONUS episode: The Adventures of Frank Bessac May 24, 2024

During the Mao Zedong years, China was off-limits to Western researchers. Some came to Taiwan as a substitute, among them American anthropologist Frank Bessac. John chats with Michael Aldrich, author of “Old Lhasa: A Biography,” about Bessac’s work in Taiwan. They also recount his adventures in China, including an epic, ill-fated, months-long escape from Xinjiang to Tibet in 1950. Listen and you’ll see why John and Michael consider Frank Bessac (1922–2010) to be the epitome of the generation that earned the title “the Greatest Generation.”

Visit formosafiles.com for links to books, and more.

S4-E12 - The Dalai Lama Visits Taiwan (1997) May 23, 2024

John chats with Michael Aldrich, author of “Old Lhasa: A Biography,” about relations between Taiwan and Tibet (specifically the Tibetan government-in-exile in Dharamshala, India). Despite Taipei and Dharamshala sharing a common foe, this relationship was for decades a difficult one. A turning point came in 1997 with the tremendously successful landmark visit of the Dalai Lama. And, we hear (via a translation read by Eryk) from Taiwan Tibet Office chief Kelsang Gyaltsen, about the warm Taiwan–Tibet relations enjoyed today.

Pics and more info at formosafiles.com

FORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH06-最低調沉默的第一夫人—前第一夫人蔣方良女士 May 21, 2024

LISTEN TO THE STORY OF FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE IN CHINESE!

臺灣，或說中華民國史上的第一夫人（以及想成為第一夫人的人），大多都是新聞報導關注的焦點，甚至如蔣宋美齡般成為世界知名的人物。然而在第一夫人的行列中，卻有一位稍顯黯淡無聲的夫人－蔣方良女士，即前總統蔣經國先生的夫人。且這名身居高位卻低調沉默的第一夫人，甚至不是中國人，而是來自「敵方」的俄國人……

重要單字：infidelity, infiltrate karma

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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。

S4-E11 - Bird Droppings on Rocks: the surprising history of hotly contested South China Sea islands May 16, 2024

On Saturday May 18th, 2024, a group of local lawmakers will visit Taiping Island 太平島, a tiny strip of coral and sand in the Spratly Islands more than 1,500 km away from the southern tip of Taiwan. As anyone who reads the news knows, numerous islands, reefs, shoals, and even barely visible rocks scattered across the vast South China Sea are considered flashpoints for World War III, as China, Taiwan, Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and even tiny Brunei each claim some degree of sovereignty. So, which claimant really owns the Paracels? Who do the Spratly Islands really belong to? In this week's island hopping adventure, we simplify some complicated history; plus, John gets worked into a mild frenzy over guano fertilizer while Eryk gets a tad too territorial.

We've got maps, pics and more at formosafiles.com

FORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH05-經濟奇蹟背後的重大事故—高雄港高中六號事故 May 14, 2024

LISTEN TO THE STORY OF THE 1973 QIJIN FERRY TRAGEDY⁠⁠⁠ IN CHINESE!

1973年（民國62年）9月3日早上，在高雄港發生了一起嚴重的沉船事故。總共有25位乘客罹難，而且這25位乘客全部都是13至30歲的未婚女性。究竟為什麼會有這麼多的年輕女性罹難？事件的後續又如何呢？重要單字：tragedy、condolence、urn

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。

S4-E10 - Radio Wars May 09, 2024

John recently visited the National Radio Museum in Minxiong Township, Chiayi County. This led to some research on the use of radio for propaganda. Whether harnessed by the imperial Japanese military or the CIA, “Free China” or the People’s Republic of China, radio waves were important weapons in a cross-strait battle to tell their version of the truth. Enjoy some classic Chinese communist radio broadcast gems that assure all compatriots that the brilliant sun of Mao Zedong will soon illuminate every part of Taiwan. (Happily, not.)

Check out formosafiles.com for more

FORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH04-芭比娃娃 M.I.T.—臺灣製造的世界傳奇 May 07, 2024

LISTEN TO THE STORY OF BARBIE: MADE IN TAIWAN ⁠⁠⁠IN CHINESE!

芭比娃娃是陪伴許多人童年的娃娃，2023年甚至還有一部以芭比娃娃為題材的電影發行，也再一次讓這個世界級的娃娃成為熱門話題。然而有許多人不知道，從1960年代起一直到1980年代，全世界有超過一半以上的芭比娃娃都是在臺灣生產製造。當時芭比娃娃的美泰兒公司（Mattel, Inc.）與臺灣的華夏塑膠策略聯盟，在臺灣臺北縣泰山鄉（現在的新北市泰山區）設立「美寧工廠」，生產芭比娃娃並外銷到世界各地。如果是年紀稍大一點的聽眾朋友，搞不好您以前的芭比娃娃就是M.I.T.的喔！重要單字：icon、packaging

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。

S4-E9 – Chen Shui-bian 陳水扁: The Middle Years – From Law School to First Prison Term May 02, 2024

When Chen Shui-bian 陳水扁 began his university studies in 1969, gifted student though he was, few could have imagined he would become Taiwan’s first non-KMT president. The young Chen had no political plans – he wanted to study business and make money for his impoverished family in rural Tainan. One day during his first semester, he heard a speech by an independent candidate who publicly criticized the autocratic rule of the KMT. Chen was fascinated. Listen to this week’s story to learn how Chen changed majors, and despite being called “boring” by a few young women he liked, eventually wed Wu Shu-chen 吳淑珍, the daughter of a wealthy Tainan doctor. Plus, Chen’s involvement in the Kaohsiung Incident of 1979, a turning point for the democracy movement and for Chen. And we end with Chen’s first stint in prison; not the more recent sentences for corruption, but in the mid-1980s for libel.

Pics, links and more at formosafiles.com

PLEASE RATE/REVIEW THE SHOW!!

FORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH03-臺灣街頭巷口的洗腦名曲—臺灣垃圾車音樂文化 Apr 30, 2024

LISTEN TO THE STORY OF ⁠TAIWAN'S MUSICAL GARBAGE TRUCKS ⁠⁠⁠IN CHINESE!

說到臺灣日常中最特別的聲音，莫過於幾乎每天都在大街小巷裡響起的〈少女的祈禱〉與〈給愛麗絲〉。臺灣垃圾車播放音樂，其實遠自1968年（民國57年）就已經開始。一路發展到現在，垃圾車的「曲目」也有許多變化，但臺灣人聽得最久、最習慣的還是這兩首曲子，也成為臺灣日常最特別的文化。這集就讓我們來聊聊臺灣垃圾車的音樂文化。重要單字：propose/proposal, handwriting

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。

S4-E8 - The Formosan Association for Public Affairs (FAPA): talking to a member of a former “terrorist” pro-Taiwan-independence group Apr 25, 2024

Not so long ago, talking about Taiwan independence could earn you a lengthy prison term. That changed in the late 1990s as Taiwan embraced democracy. Taiwan independence advocates in the United States have always enjoyed more freedom of speech, but pro-independence organizations that pulled stunts such as chaining themselves to the doors of the U.N. building or flying pro-Taiwan banners over Little League games did come under official scrutiny. One such group, the Formosan Association for Public Affairs (FAPA), was actually placed on a “terrorist” list. This week, Eryk chats with the President of the Pennsylvania Chapter of FAPA, Liam Keen, a man from the UK who holds ROC citizenship, and lives and works in both the US and Taiwan. Keen argues that actions by FAPA are producing meaningful changes in the recognition of Taiwan as a de facto sovereign state by the United States, noting that until FAPA fought and won, a Taiwan-born could person had to list their place of birth as “China” on U.S. government documents. Enjoy a fun, slightly argumentative discussion on what Taiwan should be striving for in the international arena, and the difference between symbolism and substance.

FORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH02-臺灣養豬業的最慘一「疫」—1997年豬口蹄疫 Apr 22, 2024

LISTEN TO THE STORY OF TAIWAN'S GREAT PORK APOCALYPSE (1997) ⁠IN CHINESE!

你知道嗎？臺灣曾經是全球第二大的豬肉出口國，更是日本最重要的豬肉來源地。然而在1997年，豬口蹄疫情在新竹被發現，爆發性地席捲全臺，使得臺灣養豬產業蒙受極為重大的打擊。一直到二十幾年後的今天，臺灣才真正擺脫當年口蹄疫帶來的影響，重新要把臺灣豬肉推向國際。

重要單字：smuggle、outbreak、hoof

相關書籍：

T. C. Locke。Barbarian at the Gate: From the American Suburbs to the Taiwanese Army。（中文版：《台灣饅頭美國兵》，林道明著）

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。

S4-E8 - The U.S. Breaks Up With Taipei for Beijing (Dec. 1978) Apr 18, 2024

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

FORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH01-史上「最好」的劫機事件？—華航334航班劫機事件 Apr 17, 2024

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。

S4-E7 - Travel and Tremors – the 1906 Meishan Earthquake 梅山地震 Apr 11, 2024

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

S4 - Special Episode - Remembering 921 in the Wake of 403 Apr 03, 2024

Taiwan is in mourning for those lost or injured by the huge earthquake that happened on the morning of April 3rd, 2024. In this short special episode, we hear John Ross' feelings about the earthquake which this latest one is being compared to: 921, or, the quake of September 21st, 1999, which claimed the lives of several thousand people. In our sadness for those affected, it's good to remember that we've been here before, and came out stronger. The 921 earthquake taught many lessons that very likely saved lives on April 3rd, 2024. We are Taiwan. We will rebuild and we will learn lessons for the next time. Our condolences to all those who are suffering.

Here is the "921 chapter" from John's book "Formosan Odyssey," read by Eryk.

S4-E6 – Taipei’s Architectural Trilogy Part Two: Witnessing History and Changing with the Times Mar 28, 2024

In the previous episode, we told you how these three rather stunning neo-classical Chinese buildings came to exist. This week, we’re looking at them through a “culture and society” lens. The massive statue of Chiang Kai-shek remains on its pedestal at the CKS Memorial Hall. A place built to venerate a dictator, however, became the site of the Wild Lily protests demanding a democratic Taiwan in 1990, the year after tanks answered calls for freedom in a square in Beijing. We’ll look at what the National Theater and Concert Hall (NTCH) offers visitors, and finally, how do you bring a “traditional Chinese” theater and concert hall (both inspired by buildings in China’s medieval Forbidden City) into the 21st century?

Pics and links at formosafiles.com

S4-E6 – Taipei’s Architectural Trilogy: The CKS Memorial Hall, the National Theater and the National Concert Hall Mar 21, 2024

China-born architect Yang Cho-cheng 楊卓成 (1914-2006) left his magnificent mark on Taiwan with the CKS Memorial Hall, and the National Theater and Concert Hall (NTCH) among his greatest masterpieces. This week, we’ve got part one of the story of how a classical Chinese-style trilogy of buildings came to stand in the heart of Taipei City.

Pics and more at ⁠formosafiles.com⁠

S4-E5 - Ghost Brides Mar 14, 2024

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

S4 - A Formosa Files INTERVIEW: CNN China Legend Mike Chinoy Mar 07, 2024

In the summer of 1973, a young Mike Chinoy finagled his way onto one of the earliest trips of civilian Americans to “Red China.” He would later become CNN’s China correspondent – moving to the PRC in 1987 – and became famous as he reported live on the infamous events that transpired in and around Tiananmen Square in Beijing on June 4th, 1989. Chinoy is in Taiwan for an extended stay, working on a documentary project. In this week’s interview episode, hear Chinoy tell Formosa Files about his first trip to Taiwan in 1974, his feelings on the CCP crackdown in Hong Kong, and his pride at watching Taiwan blossom into “the freest nation in Asia.” Links to Chinoy's books, pics, and more at formosafiles.com

S4-E4 - The Interesting Tale of When the Dalai Lama’s Brother Came to Taiwan Feb 29, 2024

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

S4-E3 - The 1973 Qijin Ferry Tragedy - 旗津渡輪 Feb 22, 2024

Twenty-five young women and girls drowned after a severely overloaded ferry capsized in 1973. The deaths spurred changes in public transport safety in Kaohsiung, and the victims became part of a social debate over women's rights.

Photos and more at formosafiles.com

S4-E2 - Taiwan (the ROC) and Israel - Surprising Shared Histories Feb 15, 2024

Did you know:

In 1920, ROC founder Sun Yat-sen wrote a letter in support of Israel’s nationhood aspirations? And, the ROC govt in Nanjing was the first Asian state to recognize the State of Israel in 1948?
Israel was the first non-communist nation to recognize the People's Republic of China?
However: Israel and the PRC only set up official relations in 1992, and a year later opened a trade office/de facto embassy in Taiwan.
Taiwan sought Israel’s help with atomic-related matters.

This episode isn’t a commentary on current events. Instead, it’s a conversation with 91-year-old professor Meron Medzini from Jerusalem, who was awarded a medal for contributions to bilateral ties and Taiwan studies. This is an episode for hardcore history lovers, with loads of fascinating stories and, “now we know” info from a man who watched Israel, China (the PRC), and modern democratic Taiwan grow and evolve from their inceptions.

Check out formosafiles.com for pics, links, and more.

S4 - [ENCORE] Happy Holidays? (And: 新年快樂!) Feb 08, 2024

Welcome in the Year of the Dragon with this encore of a classic episode from Season Two. Eryk claims all Taiwanese/Chinese holidays are based on sad stories filled with misery, terror, and death. John disagrees. And so the two go over the major holidays celebrated here, and, well, you be the judge of who wins this argument. Also, we cover holidays that used to be part of our calendar, until we had to give them up in exchange for two-day weekends.

AND, a very Happy New Year from Formosa Files and the Frank C. Chen Foundation. Check out formosafiles.com for more.

S4-E1 - The Lugang Rebellion (鹿港 1986) Feb 01, 2024

In the left corner, mega-multinational corporation DuPont. In the right corner, farmers from central Taiwan’s Lugang 鹿港. Ready? Fight!! To open Season Four, we have a David vs. Goliath story, made more complicated by the fact that the Davids in this tale weren't sure what weapons they could get away with using. Taiwan was changing fast in 1986, but it was still under martial law, and protests were often dealt with harshly. DuPont, a huge American company, wanted to build a chemical plant in Lugang (usually spelled as “Lukang”). Taiwan's government said “sure!” The people of Lugang, however, weren’t so cool with it... and for the first time in modern Taiwanese history they launched a “rebellion” against a major corporation, and the ROC authorities.

Check out formosafiles.com for links, pics, and more.

S3-E42 - Taiwan in 1958 Jan 25, 2024

1958. Just 66 years ago, yet Taiwan back then was like a completely different country. There was no television, but there were Russian-language radio broadcasts to Siberia. Eryk and John share nuggets from a 1959 ROC booklet, “101 Questions about Taiwan,” which proves to be both a humorous and fascinating time capsule of facts and stats. Enjoy this journey back to the year 1958, when sugar dominated exports, and Taiwan manufactured 93 jeeps!

Visit formosafiles.com for links, pics, and more.

BONUS Episode: Linda Gail Arrigo's Verdict on Shih Ming-teh 施明德 Jan 18, 2024

Linda Arrigo has been in Taiwan for many years, working as a human rights activist, as an important member of the early team of fighters who risked life and limb for a democratic Taiwan, and more recently, worked with the Taiwan Green Party on environmental issues such as stopping NPP4. She's also taught in local universities as a professor. Her Ph.D. thesis (1996) was on land ownership inequality in pre-1949 China, a topic she started working on in 1975 during early graduate study -- but had to return to because her questionnaires on girl factory workers in Taiwan (field research 1975, 1977-79) were confiscated during a police raid on her home following the Kaohsiung Incident. She was married to the late Shih Ming-teh from 1978 to 1995. And while, like many, she has a great amount of respect for the former political prisoner-turned statesman, Linda notes that history will unfortunately remember the errors he made in his latter decades that sullied his once-glowing reputation. formosafiles.com has links, pics, and more.

S3-E41 - SHIH MING-TEH 施明德 – “TAIWAN’S MANDELA” Jan 17, 2024

Shih Ming-teh 施明德 died on the morning of his 83rd birthday, January 15th, 2024. This Taiwan democracy champion spent a combined 25.5 years in Taiwanese prisons for “sedition;” what the one-party state called his activism. Shih would live to see Taiwan blossom into a free society, and received recognition for his role in the long, hard fight. But in the last decades of his life, Shih's reputation took a beating - leaving a stain on his legacy. Despite this, “Nori,” as he was called by friends and family, will always have a place in the pantheon of Taiwan democracy freedom fighters. Here’s his story: Visit https://www.formosafiles.com/ for pics, links, and more.

S3-E40 - Sold to a Bargirl at the Age of Five (1955) – The Nancy Chen Baldwin Story Jan 11, 2024

Nancy Chen Baldwin's early life – when she was sold by her parents to a bargirl for US$100 – might sound like something out of a novel set in the Middle Ages. But the old practices of selling, “lending,” giving, and unofficial adoption of children persisted in Taiwan until relatively recent times. Nancy, in many ways, was one of the lucky ones; she wasn't sold to a brothel, as some other young girls were back in the post-war years when Taiwan was desperately poor. But her tale of suffering, relocating to the USA, and finally triumphing over her demons deserves to be heard, as it's both educational and inspirational. Nancy released her book One Thousand Layers of Water and Clouds: The Tale of A Taiwanese Daughter in September 2023, and not long after, she spoke with Eryk from her home in the United States.

Visit formosafiles.com for pictures, links, and more.

S3-E39 - Taiwan’s Most Famous Red Light District: Taipei’s Combat Zone Jan 04, 2024

“Blatant sex capital of Asia, where vice is legal and the price is right,” was how one book described Taipei in 1969. Listen as Taipei-based journalist David Frazier takes us through the history of Taipei’s first foreign-oriented red light district, an area of girlie bars and nightclubs that was, and still is, known as the “Combat Zone.” Frazier explains how this infamous entertainment zone formed around nearby US military bases, the history of prostitution in modern Taiwan, and how a bar zone became a conduit for Western culture.

Visit formosafiles.com for pics and more.

A Formosa Files INTERVIEW: Making History in Space, Taiwan Uni Team Puts Nanosatellites into Orbit - With Angel Menéndez Dec 28, 2023

National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) PhD candidate Angel B. Menéndez came to Taiwan from his native Guatemala on a full scholarship provided by the Taiwan government. For Taiwan, this was a wise financial choice as Menéndez first studied mechanical engineering, then Mandarin, and then became involved in the historic achievement of a Taiwanese space program; not with the official Taiwan Space Agency (TASA), but with a team of researchers at Tainan's NCKU. In 2017, they put a “nanosatellite” into orbit, a model of which is now on public display. They've since put up a few more and, due to Covid, Menéndez has recently been the only expat on the team. Hear Eryk chat with Angel about these remarkable achievements and the team’s plans for the future of Taiwan in space.

Visit formosafiles.com for pics, info, and more.

S3-E38 - Merry Constitution Day! (and a Happy New Year) Dec 21, 2023

December 25th. A special day celebrating the birth of... the Constitution of the Republic of China. Once a holiday that rather conveniently overlapped with Christmas, today you don't get the day off in Taiwan. So, to relieve the pain of being forced to work on Christm... um... Constitution Day, John and Eryk bring you some festive cheer by recounting the history of the ROC Constitution, examining each and every amendment, and reading it in the original Mandarin. Just kidding. John gives Eryk an ROC citizenship test. Will Eryk have what it takes to become an ROCian? Will he know the answer to important naturalization questions such as, “Is it permissible to open an emergency door of an airplane in flight?” Find out in this holiday special from Formosa Files.

S3-E37 - Wu Li-pei (吳澧培): A Taiwanese-American Immigrant Story, Part Two Dec 14, 2023

In the 1960s and 1970s, many tens of thousands of Taiwanese went into self-exile; most of them headed to the United States. The people who became Taiwanese-Americans did so for a variety of reasons, but it's probably fair to say most were seeking opportunities more readily available in a democratic, free society. Taiwan in the 1960s and '70s was a place where freedom of expression -- be it in art or politics -- was severely limited. One of these exiles was Wu Li-pei (吳澧培), a Taiwan independence campaigner. Here's part two of his story.

And make sure to read Wu's memoir if you're interested in Taiwan politics. The book contains plenty of "sensitive" details and other behind-the-scenes insights.

Bonus Episode: SAVE THE BIRDS! ~ The origin story of the Kaohsiung Wild Bird Society Dec 11, 2023

Frank C. Chen was the mayor of Kaohsiung from 1960 to 1968. The foundation that bears his name is the reason we have Formosa Files. Paul Chen is one of Frank Chen's sons (b. 1944), and in 1979, he established the Kaohsiung Wild Bird Society. Why? Well, he and his dad were once avid hunters, and Paul Chen kept noticing there were fewer and fewer birds, and set out to do something about it. Today, Mr. Lin Kun-hai 林昆海 is the society's General Secretary, and in this bonus episode, we hear from both the founder and the person still leading the charge to SAVE THE BIRDS! Pics, links, and info on formosafiles.com.

S3-E36 - Wu Li-pei (吳澧培): A Taiwanese-American Immigrant Story, Part One Dec 07, 2023

A generation of Taiwanese left (or you might say “fled”) Taiwan in the 1960s and 70s, with most going to the United States. Some went to school there and stayed, while others emigrated as they saw no future for themselves and their families in the then one-party ROC state. This Taiwanese diaspora was a boon for America; intelligent, hard-working, educated people, many of whom went on to contribute greatly to the American economy and US culture. However, some of these exiles dreamed of a day when their political views could be spoken aloud in Taiwan without fear, and when that day finally came in the late 1990s, some returned and some then also participated in local politics. Wu Li-pei, a pro-independence, pro-democracy activist, was one such man. Wu's life (1934-) spans modern Taiwanese history and his story of being from “two countries” is one many others experienced – US immigrants for whom Taiwan always remained home.

Visit formosafiles.com for book links, pics, additional info, and more.

[ENCORE] Henry Kissinger (and president Nixon) Go to China, and Everything Changes for the Republic of China (Taiwan) Nov 30, 2023

Henry Alfred Kissinger died on November 29, 2023 at the age of 100. This incredibly controversial figure was a massive player in US politics and policies during the last four decades of the 20th century. Among the most consequential choices Kissinger facilitated was the switch in diplomatic recognition by the United States from Taipei (the ROC) to Beijing (the PRC), a decision later followed by most of the world's nations. To mark his passing, we're rereleasing our "Nixon Goes to China" episode from earlier this year, with a special intro.

Formosafiles.com has pics, maps, details, info, book links, etc.

S3-E35 - Bits and Pieces (of Stinky Tofu 臭豆腐) and a Pre-Announcement Announcement Nov 24, 2023

Although Eryk is as sick as a dog, both he and John are in very high spirits, and not just because, once again, they get to chat about stinky tofu. In this "bits and pieces" episode there's some jumping around, a look back and a look ahead. But most importantly, we tease an exciting new development! No, Formosa Files isn't going into the Chou Doufu business, but rather... Well, find out by listening to the show.

We hope by now you know that formosafiles.com is a must-visit for extras: book links, pics, images, maps, videos and more, all on our newly-redesigned website where you can message us, review the show or even leave a voice note. And please rate us on Apple or Spotify, it really helps!

S3-E34 - Fabulous Foods of Formosa (and Stinky Tofu 臭豆腐) Nov 16, 2023

Taiwan is a food-lover's paradise, with tasty treats, delicious dishes, scrumptious suppers, marvelous morsels... a versatile, vast variety of fabulous foods. John and Eryk aren't really down with the whole clichéd, “let's make stuff about foreigners eating stinky tofu” phenomenon, but we decided to do a food episode, topped with some yummy yarns from yesteryear. Hear the origin story of the locally globally-famous Chiayi turkey rice, the 15-star gourmet Din Tai Fung restaurant chain, and finally, yes, we'll sniff out some feelings on chou doufu 臭豆腐, the smelly snack that seems to somehow always steal the show.

Visit formosafiles.com for maps, videos, links to books, extra info, and more.

S3-E33 - Tales of Tokyo and Taiwan Nov 09, 2023

This week we're looking at Tokyo, and telling a few tales that connect events in that major world city to people, places, and things in Taiwan. ポッドキャストをお楽しみください

Visit Formosafiles.com for pictures, links and more.

S3-E32 - Hakka Author Wu Zhuoliu (吳濁流), Part 2 - Japan’s Surrender and 2/28 Nov 02, 2023

Writer Wu Zhuoliu 吳濁流 (1900-1976), sadly, never saw Taiwan blossom into a democracy. But he left us with some of the most important works ever written about 20th-century Taiwan. Among these is the autobiography “The Fig Tree”, whose early chapters mirror the events in his acclaimed novel “Orphan of Asia.” In S2-E29, we covered Wu’s younger years as in Japanese colonial Taiwan, his grandfather’s tales of a cultured, ancient China and the influence these ideas had on Wu. We told the story of Wu’s time in “the Motherland,” where he discovered that the China of his imagination was simply that – imaginary. Today, we pick up his story as WW2 comes to an end and the Chinese Nationalists arrive. Wu describes how Taiwanese jubilation soon turned to despair, and how this exploded into riots and killings known collectively as the 2/28 Incident.

Please rate us on Apple Podcasts! -It really helps!

And, visit formosafiles.com for pics, links and more.

WELCOME TO THE PODCAST! - The "White Formosan" - S1-E1 Oct 31, 2023

Formosa Files has gained a lot of new listeners of late, and many seem to begin listening from where they first encounter the program. But there are lots of great episodes from seasons 1-2 and, as this one is the one that started it all, we're rereleasing a new edit of Season One, Episode One: “The White Formosan.” Our sound quality and editing skills have improved greatly (um... we hope you agree) since the launch of the podcast in late 2021, but we hope our enthusiasm and love for telling stories from Taiwanese history has only grown with our audience. Thanks to long-time listeners for sticking with us, and a very big welcome to all the newer folks!

Originally released on September 6, 2021.

Visit Formosafiles.com for links, picture, images, maps, book reviews, videos and more!

A Formosa Files INTERVIEW: Manga Artist Mark Crilley Talks About His New Book - LOST IN TAIWAN Oct 26, 2023

Mark Crilley is one of the top 10 American manga artists, and he has a new graphic novel out called LOST IN TAIWAN(2023). Formosa Files caught up with Mark, who spilled the beans on why he was here in the late 1980s and early 1990s, what he loved (and what he loved a bit less) about Taiwan. After listening to this fun interview with Eryk and Mark Crilley, you’ll want to get a copy of LOST IN TAIWAN; it'll make you laugh, could be used as ESL material, and, like for Eryk, might just reignite some affection for things in Taiwan some of us have gotten so used to, we've forgotten just how beautiful and interesting they are.

Visit Formosafiles.com, as Mark gave us over 20 “sneak peek” pages of art from his book.

[ENCORE] Golf in Taiwan: A Surprisingly Long History Oct 23, 2023

Hear the tale of Japanese colonial officials discovering golf as the "new cool thing for elites" -- and ordering a course built in just a few hours. Plus, the story of Lu Liang-huan (呂良煥), a man from a poor family who worked his way up from being a caddy to an impressive 2nd place win at the 1971 British Open.

NOTE: We are re-releasing this episode in celebration of the 62nd anniversary of the Kaohsiung Golf and Country Club 高雄高爾夫俱樂部, a public course and oasis of nature, trees, and birds in the middle of the city (and, of course, an international-standard golf course). This episode first came out in July 2022. The Kaohsiung Golf and Country Club is managed by the sponsors of the Formosa Files podcast, the Frank C. Chen Foundation.

Visit formosafiles.com for pics, links and more.

S3-E31 - The “Tea Thief” - Robert Fortune's Very Brief Trip to Taiwan (1854) Oct 19, 2023

Tea was domesticated in China, and the knowledge of how to grow it, harvest it, and process it was a closely guarded secret. After basically becoming addicted to the beverage, the British needed to find a way to grow their own tea, as buying it from China was eating up their silver reserves. So, missions of “tea espionage” were conducted, most notably by a Mr. Robert Fortune, who had the good fortune to be able to visit Taiwan on a whirlwind trip. He only spent a day on the island, but he wrote about it, giving us a look at pre-treaty port Qing era Taiwan, and he made several interesting botanical discoveries. Visit formosafiles.com for links, pics and images, etc.

[ENCORE] The 4,300-Kilometer Chase of an Illegal Taiwanese Fishing Boat (1989) Oct 12, 2023

Taiwan loves seafood, and boats from this island trawl for yummy ocean offerings thousands of kilometers away from our shores. Taiwanese fishing vessels are very good at what they do, but they weren't always so good in how they did it. The use of drift nets, so-called "walls of death" that entanglespecies like sea turtles and dolphins, drew international ire. Taiwan boats also did a lot of fishing in waters they weren't supposed to be in. By 1989, the US Coast Guard had had enough and launched a sting operation to catch the violators. They ended up chasing a Taiwan-registered ship for some 2,700 miles (or about 4,300 kilometers). Here's the story:

Note: This episode was originally released on January 9, 2022, under the title E1-S23 - Walls of Death.

Pics, links, maps, and more at formosafiles.com.

[Bonus] Photographing Taiwan – Interview with Chris Stowers Oct 12, 2023

John chats with photographer Chris Stowers. In 1988, Chris sailed a traditional Indonesian boat on an epic sea voyage (a trip described alongside the three-part series on the Free China junk, S3-Ep23-25). This led to his first story and photos being published, and the beginning of his career in photography. He came to Taiwan on a political photo shoot in 1991 and made it his home base for covering Asia later that decade. Work and wanderlust have taken Chris to over 70 countries, and his pictures have appeared in numerous publications, from Newsweek to the New York Times to numerous guidebooks. In an interview full of practical recommendations, Chris tells John about a recent book, “Discovering Taipei on Foot,” gives insights on getting great pictures of people, and shares his favorite temples, festivals, and photo spots.

Pictures, links and more at formosafiles.com, and visit chrisstowers.com for images by Chris Stowers.

S3-E30 - When the Russians Bombed Taipei (and other aviation stories) Oct 06, 2023

Here's something we bet you didn't know: in 1938, Soviet pilots in Soviet planes (disguised to look like ROC Air Force planes) bombed the main airfield in Taihoku (now the Songshan Airport 臺北松山機場 in Taipei City). We've got that story and more as this week John and Eryk get a bit geeky and delve into some of the stories behind the planes we saw during recent visits to the Gangshan Aviation Education Exhibition Hall (航空教育展示館).

Visit formosafiles.com for lots of great pics, links and more.

S3-E29 - Taiwan's Great Pork Apocalypse (1997) Sep 28, 2023

Not gonna lie folks: this episode gets dark; the story of a super swine slaughter. But, there's also some tasty morsels of info on Taiwan's favorite meat, and the pig’s place in the island’s history and culture. Plus, a final happy ending involving little cute piggies, but you'll have to have to visit formosafiles.com to see the pics.

S3-E28 - More Bits and Pieces: Ox Ditches and an Unsinkable Warship Sep 21, 2023

Remember those two Polish cargo ships and one oil tanker from the USSR seized by the ROC Navy in the 1950s? Well, the story has one highly interesting extra element we didn't have time to get to in the last episode. Plus, John wants to write a book about an "ox ditch."

Visit formosafiles.com for all the extras: links, maps, pics, images, book reviews, etc.

S3-E27 - When Taiwan (ROC) Blockaded China (PRC) Sep 14, 2023

After retreating to Taiwan, the ROC ordered a naval blockade of China, which lasted officially until 1979. There were interceptions and attacks by the ROC Navy, CIA-backed Nationalist forces, and some pirate-like actions by unofficial ROC guerrillas. Even ships from the UK and the US were targeted. But, with several high-profile cases, including a Soviet tanker called the Tuapse, the world grew weary and demanded that Chiang Kai-shek stop the blockade. Meanwhile, the detained crews became political footballs. Some were stuck here for over 30 years!

Visit our website www.formosafiles.com for photos, links, and more.

S3-E26 - Taiwan as part of the Philippines? Or a British or German colony? “What Ifs” of Formosan History -- With Michael Turton Sep 07, 2023

Taiwanese history would have been very different except for a few pivotal moments. “Sure,” you might be thinking, “that's true everywhere.” However, the “what ifs” Michael Turton and Eryk Michael Smith talk about today are especially fascinating because of Taiwan’s strategic location. The Spanish and Dutch had short-lived settlements here in the 17th century, but either could easily have lasted for centuries. Later would-be colonizers included the UK (they considered using the east coast as a penal colony à la Australia), the US, and Germany. Turton lays out an interesting list of “what ifs” to support his argument that Taiwan being in the sphere of “Chinese” influence is an anomaly of history -- and was never inevitable.

Check out formosafiles.com for links to articles by Michael Turton, pics, images, and more.

S3-E25 - The Free China Junk Story - Part 3: Victory! Sep 01, 2023

Today John Ross and Chris Stowers (a man who has first-hand knowledge of what it's like to sail on an old-fashioned sailing boat) end our three-part series on the amazing voyage of the Chinese junk (built possibly in the 1890s) that made it -- not without overcoming considerable difficulties -- from Keelung to San Francisco in 1955. We discover the fates of the two chickens brought along for the long sea trip (Mildred 1 and Mildred 2), and, of course, learn what happened to our adventurous crew. We won't give away any spoilers, but let's just say there's also a nice twist on what eventually happened to the Free China junk itself.

Visit www.formosafiles.com for pics, links, and more.

S3-E24 - Crossing the Pacific in a Junk - Trials and Tribulations (Part 2-3) Aug 31, 2023

We continue the amazing tale of six men who set sail from Keelung in 1955 aboard the Free China junk to join a trans-Atlantic yacht race. They were attempting to show that an old-fashioned Chinese vessel could compete against some of the world's best boats. But first they need to cross the Pacific Ocean. It’s an inauspicious start, and we find Paul Chou and his shipmates in need of rescue and ordered to return home. But will they? Guest Chris Stowers draws on his experience sailing on a traditional Bugis craft in Indonesian waters to help us navigate this heartwarming story. This is part two of a three-part story, and part three drops tomorrow.

You really should visit www.formosafiles.com as we post links to videos, pictures, maps, extras and more.

S2-E23 - Across the Pacific in the Free China Junk (1955) - Part One Aug 24, 2023

In 1954, a man living in Keelung 基隆 asked himself, “Could an old-fashioned Chinese junk beat modern yachts in a race on the high seas?” The answer? -- An almost unbelievable tale involving a boat that would become world-famous: the “Free China” junk (自由中國號). This week, John Ross and Chris Stowers (Stowers was part of a crew that also sailed on a wind-powered junk-like ship), tell the first part of this incredible story of bravery, perseverance, and a more than a little luck.

Don't forget to visit formosafiles.com for videos, links, maps, pics and info.

S3-E22 - Barbie: Made in Taiwan Aug 17, 2023

Seen the Barbie movie? No worries... Eryk saw it for you, and he noticed one thing they didn't mention in the film: from 1967-1987, most of the world's Barbie dolls were made in Taiwan. Factories in the tiny town of Taishan 泰山 (now a district of New Taipei City) churned out millions of these well-made toys before Mattel moved operations to cheaper manufacturing locations. Plus, we've got info on traditional Taiwanese toys and John ends this week's episode with a strange tale of "possessed" paper dolls.

Go to our website formosafiles.com for pics, links, and other extras.

S3-E21 - Blockading Taiwan Aug 11, 2023

China's People's Liberation Army/Navy has been practicing for a possible blockade of Taiwan with ships, planes, and drones. This week, Formosa Files looks at the history of blockades connected to Taiwan. Plus, hear about the nastiest "ocean blockade" in history -- when the new Qing authorities ordered the evacuation of the Chinese coast for over 20 years!

Maps, links, pics, and more can be found at formosafiles.com

Bonus Episode: 2-28: A Bad Beginning Aug 03, 2023

In this special episode, we hear Eryk reading from chapter five of John’s “Taiwan in 100 Books.” The topic is 2-28, an event named after a date: February 28, 1947. It’s usually referred to as the February 28 incident, but sometimes called the 2-28 Massacre. American vice-consul at the time George Kerr used the term “the March massacres,” which gives a more accurate impression of what happened; the brutal suppression of uprisings and protests throughout the country, which left perhaps 20,000 dead. It was a bad beginning to ROC rule on Formosa, a dark stain that was a taboo topic until the early 1990s. Listen and learn about George Kerr’s “Formosa Betrayed”(1965), probably the most important English-language non-fiction work on Taiwan. We also cover the first English-language White Terror novel, “A Pail of Oysters” (1953), by Vern Sneider, and Allan James Shackleton’s “Formosa Calling” (1998), an account of 2-28 which took four decades to get published.

[ENCORE] The Empire's Last Solider (29 Years, 3 Months, and 16 Days) Jul 27, 2023

The last Japanese "holdout" of World War II was an Indigenous Amis Taiwanese named Attun Palalin, but in Japanese Formosa, he was Nakamura Teruo (中村輝夫). Palalin was one of a group of Indigenous Taiwanese who served in the Japanese military as part of the Takasago Volunteer Unit 高砂義勇隊. The Takasago Unit was built on the idea that Indigenous Taiwanese were best suited for guerilla-style fighting in Southeast Asian jungles as they could live off the land and were accustomed to tropical climates, etc. Several thousand Indigenous men were recruited. Many Formosans served under the flag of the Rising Sun with distinction during the Second World War; no one, however, was apparently more dedicated than "The Empire's Last Solider," Attun Palalin, who kept "fighting" on an island in modern-day Indonesia until 1974! Enjoy your summer, catch up on episodes, and check out this encore episode, first released in October 2021.

S3-E20 - John Groot and John Ross Walk and Talk Historic Tamsui 淡水 - Part Two Jul 21, 2023

Tamsui (Danshui) native John Groot and Formosa Files' John Ross continue their walk and talk around the old town. They’re on the trail of the 1884 Battle of Tamsui between French and Taiwanese forces, a battle which was a rare victory for the beleaguered Qing dynasty. As well as military matters, the two Johns chat about the wider history of Tamsui. It’s a fun mix of travel and history. Visit formosafiles.com for links to videos, maps, images, info and more.

S3-E19 - Two Johns Take a "Walking Tour" in Historic Tamsui 淡水 - Part One Jul 20, 2023

Strategically located near the mouth of the Tamsui (Danshui) River, the port town of Tamsui has a long, rich history. The Spanish built a fort here in the 1600s, as did the Dutch, and numerous European traders came here in the nineteenth century when it was a treaty port. But perhaps the most surprising foreign presence was the brief and bloody stay of the French military. This was the Battle of Tamsui of October 1884, which was a part of the Sino-French War. John Groot, the author of “Taiwanese Feet: My walk around Taiwan,” takes John Ross on a walking tour of his beloved hometown on the trail of this forgotten historical conflict.

Visit formosafiles.com for video links, images, maps, extra info and more.

S3-E18 - Getting Arrested in Taiwan - With Lawyer Ross D. Feingold Jul 13, 2023

Formosa Files and Taipei-based lawyer Ross Feingold very much hope you never get arrested in Taiwan, or anywhere else for that matter. But should this unfortunate event occur, what are your rights? Does Taiwan require search warrants? Are there "Miranda Rights"? Is it really true that you can get in legal trouble for swearing at someone? Are cops allowed to parade suspects in front of the media in what Americans call a "perp walk"? Listen as Eryk gets some free legal advice* from an expert in local law. (*Disclaimer: None of the commentaries in this episode should be taken as official legal advice. Ross Feingold is speaking as an individual legal professional, and his views are his own.)
Visit formosafiles.com for info, links, images, and more.

S3-E17 – The Wrongful Execution of Chiang Kuo-ching (江國慶) and the Death Penalty in Taiwan Jul 06, 2023

Among the too many killings committed in the lawless year of 1997 was the execution of 21-year-old Chiang Kuo-ching (江國慶), a soldier convicted of a horrific crime after a forced confession. Chiang went to his death maintaining his innocence, and 14 years later in 2011, he was posthumously cleared of all wrongdoing. John and Eryk tell this harrowing story, disagree on capital punishment, and discuss the death penalty in Taiwan. They end with a case John brings up of a serial killer from the 1970s-80s who certainly "deserved" his fate.

For images, links, and more, visit www.formosafiles.com

Bonus Episode: AIT/K: The American Institute in Taiwan - Kaohsiung Branch Jul 04, 2023

It's the Fourth of July! Happy 247th Birthday, America! It's estimated that around 80,000 U.S. nationals live and work in Taiwan; most, however, do so in the north. But the U.S. State Department has never forgotten southern Taiwan! The American Institute in Taiwan, Kaohsiung Branch (AIT/K), has been serving both Taiwanese and American citizens in the southern port city since 1979. AIT/K's area includes the south, southeast, and outer islands such as Penghu. Check out this fun conversation Eryk recently had with outgoing AIT/K Branch Chief Tom Wong about his time in tropical Taiwan.

S3-E16 – Kaohsiung and Taiwan Celebrate Five Years of Weiwuying 衛武營國家藝術文化中心 – Part 2: Struggles & Victories! Jun 30, 2023

John and Eryk have been commissioned to tell the tale of Weiwuying as this new Kaohsiung landmark turns five: in part two, we've got challenges galore to overcome, disputes to settle, and finally, a glorious ending as, more than arguably, one of the world's finest performing arts venues opens in 2018. Happy Birthday, Weiwuying!

S3-E15 – Kaohsiung and Taiwan Celebrate Five Years of Weiwuying 衛武營國家藝術文化中心 – Part 1: The Land & the Plan Jun 29, 2023

As this already-iconic structure and performance center turns five, John and Eryk have been commissioned to tell its tale: it's a 40-year saga of a century-old military base becoming a park and home to, more than arguably, one of the world's finest performing arts venues. It's 2023, and Happy 5th Birthday, Weiwuying!

Bonus Episode: Eryk Calls John for a Meanderingly Interesting Chat Jun 22, 2023

Now that we're well into Formosa Files season three, your co-hosts add some background to stories we've told, try to clear up misconceptions about the ROC’s exit from the United Nations, make some “controversial” comments on Dr. Sun Yat-sen, and finally, we agree that Mongolia is an independent country, which the Republic of China (Taiwan) also agreed is a fact, in 2002.

S3-E14 - The Three “Pearl Harbors” of the Chinese Communist Party - with Ian Easton Jun 15, 2023

Author of The Final Struggle, Ian Easton, sits down for a long chat with Eryk about the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). It's remarkable how close to extinction the CPP came, not once, but thrice. This is a story of spies and counterspies, moles and defectors, violence, treachery and death. Listen to Ian Easton's case on how much we've underestimated the CCP, and how democratic governments, international institutions... and people of all freedom-loving societies, need to "wake up" to the reality of what the CCP is: an authoritarian near-superpower wedded to a fanatic Marxism/Leninism ideology that seeks a new world order, controlled, of course, by a modern emperor in Beijing.

A Formosa Files INTERVIEW: The Team that Gave Kaohsiung the Magnificent Weiwuying Performing Arts Center 衛武營國家藝術文化中心 Jun 08, 2023

Have you been to the National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts, 衛武營國家藝術文化中心, more commonly called Weiwuying? If not, you really should as it totally lives up to the hype, and is now the best such venue in Taiwan. You may have heard stories or seen TV programs about how hard it was to build "the largest ship on land," or "the largest performance center under one roof," but you can't beat hearing about it directly from one of the people who helped lead the team: Dutch architect Friso van der Steen. Trust us: it's a marvelous tale.

Visit www.npac-weiwuying.org for more info on Weiwuying in both English and Chinese.

[Encore] Mao's Taiwanese Spymaster Jun 06, 2023

The Taiwan News recently did a feature on Formosa Files (link below), and in the article, this episode from 2021 is mentioned. We thought we'd re-release it for any new "Formosa Filers" who missed it the first time around. This is a fascinating tale of a Taiwanese man (Japanese Formosan, to be exact), who survived the Long March with Mao Zedong, and was then sent back to Taiwan to build a spy network and prepare for a communist invasion.

Many thanks to the Taiwan News for their detailed feature on Formosa Files.

For more pics, links, maps, images, etc., visit www.formosafiles.com

S3-E13 - The Flag of Taiwan (?) Jun 01, 2023

You'll see the "Blue Sky, White Sun, and Red Earth" flag everywhere across Taiwan, and each year, streets are lined with this banner to celebrate Double Ten Day on October 10th. But is it really the flag of Taiwan? Who designed it? Today's episode is all about the ROC flag: an engrossing tale involving Dr. Sun Yat-sen, a martyr, warlords, and more. Learn about the various flags which contended for the honor to represent the Republic of China. Had fate gone differently, there might have been a five-striped banner flying from Taiwan’s flagpoles, or a really strange one which looks like (well, it has to be seen to be believed, so best pay a quick visit to the Formosa Files website to see the flags we’re talking about).

Visit www.formosafiles.com for pics, links, maps, and flags

Bonus Episode: Way of the Warrior - Martial Arts Master Chris Bates May 25, 2023

Ever daydreamed about traveling to East Asia and studying under the great martial arts masters? American Chris Bates did just this, first coming to Taiwan in 1976 to study Mandarin and train in martial arts. Follow Chris’ journey, from meeting the eccentric Liao Wuchang (the Monkey Boxer), training under the retired general and Shaolin master Kao Fanghsien, to getting a wife. John and Chris also discuss other notable figures, including Donn Draeger and Robert Smith, two Americans who helped bring East Asian martial arts to the West.

Chris would gravitate toward the internal Chinese martial arts (xingyiquan in particular), training since the early 1980s under the acclaimed Hong Yixiang and his sons. In fact, Chris has just translated Blurred Boundaries, a magnificent biography of the late Master Hong. Chris wraps things up talking about his latest book, the timely novel Rise of the Water Margin.

Visit www.formosafiles.com for pics, maps, links and more.

S3-E12 - American Luxury Cruise Ship Runs into Green Island (1937) May 18, 2023

The SS President Hoover was a ship ahead of its time, with innovative engine designs, air conditioning in all cabins, and space for almost a thousand passengers. But just seven years after being commissioned, the ship ran aground just off Green Island, which in 1937 was a part of the Japanese Empire. Listen to this week's story for a riveting adventure involving a possibly intentional bombing, a journey along the unfamiliar East Coast of Formosa in the dark, a shipwreck, drunken sailors, and some heartwarming pre-WWII kindness between Japan and America.

[Encore] Taiwan’s “Iron Man of Asia” - The Amazing CK Yang (楊傳廣) May 11, 2023

Decathlete athletes are special. The sport is TEN events: sprint 100 meters, then 400 meters, then race 1500 meters; then comes 110 meters with hurdles you have to jump, then it's on to the long jump, the high jump, pole vaulting, discus throwing, javelin throwing, and finally, shotput. It's exhausting just reading that list, let alone doing it. But Maysang Kalimud, from the Amis Indigenous group in Taitung, won silver in the decathlon at the 1960 Rome Olympics. Competing against his friend, American Rafer Johnson, Maysang Kalimud, better known by his Chinese name, CK Yang (楊傳廣 1933-2007), lost the gold medal by a hair's breadth, and became the first Olympic medalist from Taiwan. The man the international press called “The Iron Man of Asia,” may have been the greatest all-round athlete to ever compete for Taiwan. We love this story, so we're re-releasing it this week – enjoy!

Visit www.formosafiles.com for links, pics, maps, images, info, and more.

S3-E11 - Steve McQueen and "The Sand Pebbles" (1966) May 04, 2023

The Sand Pebbles, which tells the story of the USS San Pablo, a US Navy gunboat operating in China in the 1920s, was shot in northern Taiwan over the winter of '65-'66. The movie was directed by Robert Wise, of The Sound of Music fame, and starred "the King of Cool" Steve McQueen. The film was the 4th highest-grossing movie of 1966 but the shoot was a less-than-inspiring experience for much of the cast and crew (to put it mildly). "Bad Boy" McQueen exhibited plenty of the behavior he was known for and – of course – the weather in northern Taiwan in the winter wasn't friendly to the moviemakers. Listen to this week's Formosa Files episode for the whole story. Visit www.formosafiles.com for pictures, maps, images, info, and much more.

S3-E10 - Lord of Formosa - Part Two: Coyett VS. Koxinga Apr 27, 2023

Joyce Bergvelt's book Lord of Formosa is a novel, but she's an author who has extensively studied the Dutch colonial period and the main characters involved. Lord of Formosa, therefore, might be closer to a history book than fiction. Listen to John speak with Joyce as they discuss the complicated, brash, and violent personality of Koxinga (Zheng Chenggong 鄭成功) and hear the details of how this pirate-warlord Ming loyalist clashed with Frederick Coyett, the Dutch governor of Formosa (who was actually Swedish).

Visit www.formosafiles.com for images, maps, book recommendations, and more!

Bonus Episode: Answering the Mail Apr 20, 2023

Join us as we try to answer some questions we've gotten, such as "What is Whisby and... just why?" You'll also discover Eryk's shameful secret (he loves betel nuts!), and hear John's opinion on re-introducing the extinct clouded leopard.

S3-E9 - Nixon and Kissinger Grovel in China, and Taiwan’s “China” Days are Numbered Apr 13, 2023

Long hailed as a “historic diplomatic breakthrough,” the reality is that US president Richard Nixon's 1972 trip to China has been rather oversold. Yes, the brief Mao-Nixon meeting did start a thaw in relations, but Nixon may have given more than he got. Here’s a gripping tale of geopolitical strategy, grand ambition, secret trips, betrayal and blunders. As well as covering the famous summit which would give rise to the expression, “like Nixon going to China,” we also touch on Chiang Kai-shek’s own plans for “going to China” via Vietnam and the Soviet Union.

S3-E8 - Early Photos of Taiwan - by John Thomson - 1871 Apr 06, 2023

Some of the earliest photos we have of Taiwan were taken by a British photographer who visited the southwest of the island in 1871. Taking pics back then was far from “point and shoot.” It was "get inside portable darkroom, grab delicate glass plate, cover with chemical A, then B, then C, then expose the plate to light, then more...” and on and on. We owe John Thomson a debt of gratitude for his short but significant expedition to “photograph wild Formosa!” In particular, his images of the “Pingpu” (Plains) Indigenous peoples of the Tainan and Kaohsiung hinterlands captured the twilight of their old ways.

To see Thomson’s photographs, and for additional information, visit www.formosafiles.com

S3-E7 - Lord of Formosa and the VOC - Part One Mar 30, 2023

Arguably the single most important event in Taiwan’s history – and certainly the most dramatic story – was the arrival in 1661 of warlord and Ming loyalist Koxinga (鄭成功 Zheng Chenggong). After a fierce struggle, Koxinga evicted the Dutch, who had established a successful settlement in southwestern Taiwan in 1624. This clash is the subject of “Lord of Formosa,” a wonderful novel by Dutch writer Joyce Bergvelt. Too epic a historical story for just one episode, in the first of this special two-part series, John chats with Joyce about the Dutch East India Company (the VOC). What was the VOC and why was it here in Taiwan? And why on earth were the Dutch importing bricks from Europe and exporting deer skins to Japan?

Visit www.formosafiles.com for pics, links, and much more!

S3-E6 - Gladys Aylward, Ingrid Bergman, and the Inn of the Eight Happinesses (八福客栈) Mar 23, 2023

Eight happinesses? If you’ve heard of or seen the famous movie about the remarkable British missionary Gladys Aylward, you’ll know that the film (which was originally set to be shot in Taiwan) was called “The Inn of the Sixth Happiness.” Well, like many parts of her story, things were changed for the big-screen adaptation with Swedish megastar Ingrid Bergman. And Aylward – who founded an orphanage in Taipei in the late 1950s, and died in Taiwan in 1970 – didn't like the movie version one bit. Here’s an incredible story about an incredible woman.

S3-E5 - Local Language Loanwords: A Lovely Hot Pot of Fujianese, Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, English, and More Mar 16, 2023

All languages borrow words from other languages. These “loanwords” often come with fascinating historical backstories, their adoption the result of encounters by traders, scholars, and adventurers; and the result of colonialization, as was the case with Taiwan, 1895 to 1945, when many Japanese words came into the Taiwanese language. And because the Japanese are themselves such prodigious borrowers, many of these words were originally from other languages. Find out why English owes such a debt to Cantonese, why John loves “tea,” and why Eryk doesn’t want to “kowtow.” Whether you’re an “obasan” or a “joss-pidgin-man,” we think you’ll enjoy our look at lovely linguistic loanwords.

S3-E4 - Madou, Tainan 麻豆: Pomelos and Priestesses Mar 09, 2023

Today, the district of Madou (麻豆區) in Tainan City is home to about 43,000 people. It has a pleasant small-town feel, an economy mainly based on agriculture, in particular, a citrus fruit called the pomelo (柚子). Back in the 1620s, when the Dutch arrived, Madou -- then called Mattau -- was inhabited by the Siraya (西拉雅族), a Taiwanese Indigenous group. Siraya resistance to Dutch expansion would lead to bloodshed and bring about a major turning point in early Taiwan history. Join Formosa Files as we visit the childhood home of Chen Shui-bian and recount the clash of cultures in the 1600s. You can also hear us stumble over some lines and words – John learns how to pronounce “pomelo” – in this "raw" edition. We left our mistakes in the episode to give listeners a look behind the scenes.

Visit our website for info, pics, links, and more! www.formosafiles.com

S3-E3 - Chen Shui-bian 陳水扁: The Early Years Mar 02, 2023

Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) was a highly controversial two-term ROC president (2000–2008). How “A-Bian” studied and fought his way out of rural poverty to the highest office, thus bringing 55 years of continuous KMT rule to an end, is the single greatest personal political story in modern Taiwanese history. Sadly, though, this fairytale would have a tragic ending, with a troubled second term and Chen later doing prison time for corruption. But in today’s episode, we look at the early years: his stoic parents, his remarkable local teachers, and the struggles and triumphs that shaped him.

Visit our website for info, pics, links, and more! www.formosafiles.com

S3-E2 - Mel Gibson Makes a Movie in Taiwan (1979) Feb 23, 2023

Ever heard of the film "Attack Force Z"? No? Don't worry... almost no one has. Filmed in Taiwan, this WWII story featured both Mel Gibson and Sam Neill, long before they became major Hollywood stars. Gibson later called the film “pretty woeful... it's so bad, it's funny.” That's an unfairly harsh assessment, likely coming from the difficulties encountered making the movie on location in Taiwan back in the winter of 1979-80.

S3-E1 - Storm Stories: Tales of Typhoons in Taiwan Feb 16, 2023

With their fearsome winds and dramatic downpours, typhoons have long been a part of Taiwan's history. Join Formosa Files for a look at a few notable typhoons that have hit Taiwan in more recent times, as well as some interesting asides, such as: When did typhoons get names? Why did they once only use female names? And, do typhoons do anything good for Taiwan?

Rage Against the Machine – Formosa Files VS. ChatGPT Feb 09, 2023

In this fun Season Two finale, John Ross and Eryk Michael Smith battle with the AI phenomenon ChatGPT. Who knows more about Taiwanese history, John or the scarily omnipotent AI chatbot which may soon render humans obsolete? Does Eryk know more about Kaohsiung’s Nanzih District than the smartest machine-learning programs on earth? It’s time to pick a side – a couple of nerdy amateur historians or the finest in 21st-century computing power? It’s Man vs. Machine! This somewhat silly and hopefully entertaining super bonus episode is our sign-off to Formosa Files’ Season Two. See you next week for S3-E1!

Note: Visit www.formosafiles.com for pictures, images, maps, links, related info, and more.

(Background music via Pixabay royalty-free music)

S2-E40 - The Two Generalissimos - Francisco Franco and Chiang Kai-shek Feb 02, 2023

Relations between the R.O.C. (Taiwan) and Spain have never been as close as Taiwan's ties to, for example, the United States. But back in the days when Taiwan was ruled as a one-party state, there were more connections than one might think between the R.O.C. and Spain, which was also a one-party state under the rule of a "generalissimo."

Visit www.formosafiles.com for photos, images, maps, links, and more!

[Encore] Japan Puts Paiwan Indigenous Taiwanese on Display at London Expo (1910) Jan 26, 2023

At the turn of the 20th century, Japan was on a roll. After taking Formosa and Penghu from Qing China in 1895, Japan beat mighty Russia in 1905. Eager to show the world its newfound economic strength – and to highlightthe successful development of its new colony – the Japanese parliament voted vast sums of money to sponsor the Japan-British Exhibition. It was held in London from May to October 1910. Among the most “wild” displays the Japanese brought to London was a recreated Paiwan village, with live Indigenous Paiwan Formosans!

NOTE: This episode was first released in September 2021.

S2-E39 - Kaohsiung to Kenting Road Trip (1875) Jan 19, 2023

The southern peninsula of Taiwan was a "ship graveyard" for a very long time as unseen rocks and reefs gashed holes in the sides of vessels and left them stranded, or on the seafloor. The Western powers and Qing authorities both agreed that a lighthouse at the far southern end of Taiwan would be a good idea, and so it fell upon English engineer Michael Beazeley and fellow employees of the Chinese Imperial Maritime Customs Service to set off from Takao (Kaohsiung) overland into "savage" territory to find and buy a piece of land for a lighthouse. Here's the illuminating origin story of the famous Eluanbi Lighthouse at Kenting.

[Encore] Taiwan's Orangutan Craze and the Terrors of the Tiger Trade Jan 12, 2023

You're hiking in the hills of Taichung in the early 1990s and suddenly come across ... an orangutan? What's more, this massive great ape isum ... in need of some, um ... "affection," and gets handsy. An unlikely scenario, right? But, that story is true! There was a time when Taiwan was gripped by a craze for baby orangutans. These apes, however, grow rather fast, and some of them were subsequently "set free." Here's that wild story, plus some others related to the "bad old days" when Taiwan was not a safe haven for many kinds of wild animals.

NOTE: This episode was first released in Season One -- Formosa Files S1-E13, Nov. 21, 2021

Bonus Episode: Among the Headhunters of Formosa - From Taiwan in 100 Books, by John Ross Jan 05, 2023

This week we have another snippet from the audiobook of John's 2020 book, Taiwan in 100 Books. This extract tells the tale of Janet Montgomery McGovern, a feisty anthropologist who managed to cutthrough the red tape and official disapproval from Japanese colonial authorities in Formosa during her residence from 1916 to 1918, and headed up into the hills to learn about Taiwan's Indigenous Peoples -- most of whom had already given up headhunting by then. We'll also hear a "rose-colored glasses" 1921 travel account of a very brief visit to Taiwan by Englishman Owen Rutter. Enjoy!

S2-E38 - Dating in Taiwan Dec 29, 2022

No, we're not talking about romantic adventures; in this episode, the "dating" we're discussing is the days, months, and years kind. Why is it about to become the year 112 in Taiwan? Why is 2023 not just the year of the rabbit, but the year of the water rabbit? Why do some people in Taiwan have three birthdays? Enjoy the last Formosa Files podcast in Min Guo 111. And Happy New Year!

Bonus Episode: The Forgotten President 嚴家淦 Dec 22, 2022

Eryk calls John for a chat about Yen Chia-kan (嚴家淦, Yan Jiagan) the president of the Republic of China (Taiwan) for three years following the death of Chiang Kai-shek in 1975. Who was C.K. Yen, and why isn’t he better known? Here’s the story.

A Formosa Files INTERVIEW: Dr. Dafydd Fell from SOAS takes us on a Mini-Deep Dive into Taiwan's Alternative Political Parties Dec 20, 2022

We generally don't discuss politics very much on this podcast, but, when one of the world's most well-established international experts on politics in Taiwan is gracious enough to be willing to chat – we're gonna talk politics. While this might be perhaps too 'deep' for some, if you've spent some time in Taiwan and are interested in the political scene here, this short chat provides an interesting look at groups beyond the big party players. For more info on SOAS University of London, and Dr. Dafydd Fell's books, visit www.soas.ac.uk

S2-E37 - A Cunning Count Contemplates Colonizing Formosa Dec 15, 2022

Ever heard of Count Maurice Benyovszky? He's not well known in Taiwan, but after this Polish-Slovakian-Hungarian semi-nobleman had a chance encounter with this island in 1771, he wrote a travel account that remained influential into the twentieth century. And the best part? Most of what he wrote is almost certainly fiction! His fanciful stories, however, included a call for Europeans to colonize Formosa. Finally, a century after his death, Benyovszky's tall tales would be part of the inspiration and justification for Japan’s “joining the big kids’ table” with its moves to conquer Taiwan.

S2-E36 - Annette Lu – from Prison to the Presidential Office Dec 08, 2022

A fighter for women's rights, human rights, freedom of speech, and democracy, you can disagree with Annette Lu's politics (or with some of her very controversial comments) ...but you can't deny the impact this outspoken woman has had on Taiwanese society and history. Here's the story of how the daughter of a poor shopkeeper went from legislator, to Magistrate of Taoyuan, and finally, Vice-President of the Republic of China (Taiwan).

S2-E35 - Colonial Tourism: Japanese Visit their Model Colony, While Tokyo Brings Indigenous Taiwanese to “The Motherland” to Show Off “Civilization” Dec 01, 2022

We travel back to 1920s Taiwan, first in the company of Terry’s Guide to the Japanese Empire and then follow a Tokyo travel bureau itinerary for Japanese tourists to the island. Ride the rails with us as we visit Shinto shrines, sugar factories, former “savages,” and scenic spots (not just any scenic spots but the official “Eight Views of Taiwan”). And we look at perhaps the most interesting aspect of colonial sightseeing: free guided trips to Japan for Indigenous Taiwanese leaders. These propaganda trips were meant to demonstrate why resistance to the Empire was futile, but they were not always home runs.

S2-E34 - "Galloping Oxen" - Emperor Kangxi’s Jesuit Mapmakers in Taiwan Nov 24, 2022

Between the late 1600s and mid-1800s, there was no Western presence on Taiwan. There were, however, a couple of special Western visitors of whom the wonderfully-named Joseph-Anne-Marie de Moyriac de Mailla was the most notable. This Jesuit priest was a hardcore scholar who spent 45 years in China. Emperor Kangxi gave de Mailla and fellow Jesuits a mission: "Go map my empire... including Taiwan!" This is the story of what the esteemed Jesuit priest saw when he visited Formosa in 1714.

A Formosa Files INTERVIEW: Tobie Openshaw on the Saisiyat Story of Taiwan's "Little People" Nov 17, 2022

The Saisiyat Indigenous people in Hsinchu and Miaoli counties have a famous story about magical “little people” or “dwarfs” called the Koko’ ta’ay. The legend goes that tensions between the tribe and the “dwarfs” led to an incident that killed off the little people, and which called down a curse on the Saisiyat. While most dismissed these stories as a myth, new research seems to indicate that that there were, in fact, “Negrito” people, such as can still be found in small bands in the Philippines and elsewhere, on Taiwan at least 5000 years ago - which could see the history books rewritten and the Koko’ ta’ay folklore recognized as being based on real experience!

S2-E33 - Taiwan's Musical Garbage Trucks - And the Sounds of the 1990s! Nov 10, 2022

Many new arrivals to Taiwan are perplexed to hear music from an "ice cream" truck playing almost every day, until they discover that those tunes mean it's time to take out your trash. Today, we've got the history of musical garbage trucks... and lots of reminiscing about the sounds of Taiwan in the 1990s.

S2-E32 - “Defectors from the PRC to Taiwan, 1960-1989: The Anti-Communist Righteous Warriors” - Part Two Nov 03, 2022

Picking up on last week's conversation between the University of Southern California East Asian Studies Center's Li-ping Chen and author Andrew D. Morris -- a very special collaborative double episode with Formosa Files -- we learn more about how North/South Korean Cold War tensions affected air force defections from the PRC. As flying from northern China to Taiwan was almost impossible, most defectors taking off from the north headed to South Korea. The pair also give us more details on the rewards these "righteous warriors" received after arrival in Taiwan. This interview originally appeared on the New Books Network podcast. Visit them at www.newbooksnetwork.com

S2-E31 - “Defectors from the PRC to Taiwan, 1960-1989: The Anti-Communist Righteous Warriors” - Part One Oct 27, 2022

Formosa Files is delighted to announce a very special episode in collaboration with the University of Southern California’s East Asian Studies Center and the New Books Network! The USC’s Li-ping Chen recently interviewed Andrew D. Morris, the author of a 2022 book (of the same name as this episode’s title) on the defector pilots who risked it all to fly their planes (mostly military jets, but one famous case was a commercial airliner) to Taiwan from China. Each case is fascinating; some are even shocking. Many thanks to Li-ping Chen and Andrew D. Morris. Links to Morris' book and more info on the New Books Network can be found at www.formosafiles.com.

Check out https://newbooksnetwork.com/defectors-from-the-prc-to-taiwan-1960-1989 for the unedited interview.

S2-E30 - The Mysterious Death in Taipei of India's Most Controversial Nationalist Oct 20, 2022

Unlike Mahatma Gandhi, fellow Indian pro-independence leader Subhas Chandra Bose advocated taking up arms against the British. WWII presented a golden opportunity for this, and in an "enemy of my enemy" move Bose escaped from arrest in India and headed for Nazi Germany. But despairing of a German invasion of India that would overthrow the British, Bose turned to the Japanese. This controversial Indian revolutionary died in Taipei in 1945, leading to decades of speculation and conspiracy theories. Here's the story of this complex figure and his final fate in what was then still Taihoku, Japanese Formosa.

S2-E29 - The "Most Powerful Witness" to Modern Taiwan's History: Wu Zhuo-liu (吳濁流) - Part One Oct 13, 2022

Sadly, the bloodshed and sorrow that began on February 28, 1947 (228) is the foundational story of post-Japanese Taiwan. Wu Zhou-liu (吳濁流), an ethnically-Hakka poet, writer, and journalist, was born in 1900 and died in 1976, his life effectively spanning the tumultuous birth of the nation. He experienced and documented colonial rule, WWII, the Japanese departure, and the hopeful first days of a "New China" which turned so quickly to violent tragedy. Wu's writings are today considered some of the most important of the modern era, but he remains mostly unknown to much of the world. Here is the beginning of Wu Zhou-liu's story.

Bonus Episode: A Look Back and a Peek Forward Oct 06, 2022

As Formosa Files gets ready to end Season 2 and move into Season 3 (fingers crossed), John and Eryk pick season highlights, answer listener questions, talk about topics for upcoming episodes, and discuss those less-than-tidy "footnotes of history."

S2-E28 - "Happy" Holidays! Sep 29, 2022

Eryk said to John, "All the traditional festivals celebrated in Taiwan have sad -- or even horrific -- backstories!" John said, "Really? Hmm... I doubt that." And so we recorded this episode, in which we tell the tales behind traditional festivals from Moon Festival to Tomb-Sweeping Day... and we'll let you be the judge, but it seems like Eryk won the debate.

Plus: John quizzes Eryk on forgotten or lost holidays that were once part of the ROC calendar

S2-E27 - Ghost Planes and the Japanese Fighter Pilot who Became a God Sep 22, 2022

John loves aviation stories and in this episode we've got two: the first raises some serious questions about an oft-told "ghost plane" tale, while the second features a heroic young Japanese Zero fighter pilot who perished in Tainan in the last year of WWII...and then became a deity in that southern Taiwanese city! Photos and additional info at Formosafiles.com

S2-E26 - Taiwan's First Civilian Martyr: Teacher Lin Ching-chuan (林靖娟) Sep 15, 2022

Preschool teacher Lin ran back into a burning bus six times, saving as many kids as she could, before succumbing to the flames on her seventh rescue attempt. Lin's body was found with her arms around four children...four of 20 preschoolers who sadly died that day in 1992 -- along with Teacher Lin and two other adults. In 1999 Lin became the first "civilian martyr" inducted into the Taipei Martyr's Shrine. Hear her story, as well as more info and history on martyrs and martyrs' shrines in Taiwan. Visit our website for pictures and info on the people and places discussed in this episode - www.formosafiles.com

S2-E25 - Searching for Black Gold in Taiwan Sep 08, 2022

Commodore Matthew C. Perry’s two expeditions of 1852–1854 pried open Japan. Less well known is that one of the American ships visited Keelung in northeastern Taiwan to investigate the harbor and its coal resources. And completely forgotten is another American project, the North Pacific Exploring and Surveying Expedition of 1853 to 1856, which saw two visits to Taiwan. At that time, the United States was one of several Western powers which had an eye on establishing a foothold on Formosa’s wild East Coast. The mysterious region lay outside of Chinese control and promised all sorts of possible utility, whether as a coaling station or a penal colony. In today’s podcast we’re aboard the John Hancock in the company of Lt. Alexander Habersham, who wrote an account of the expedition.

S2-E24 - Cats Big and Small Sep 01, 2022

Virtually everyone on this island knows the famous feline folktale: "The Tiger Aunt." In this episode, we tell that tale -- relying for source material on Taiwanese folktale translator and collector Fred Lobb's wonderful book -- as well as a few other stories related to cats, large or small, real or imaginary. And don't worry, dog lovers, your preferred animal will get its day soon when we delve into native Taiwanese dogs and their fascinating history. But for now, sit back and enjoy some wild and weird stories about cats...big and small.

S2-E23 - Separated Sisters Aug 25, 2022

Imagine this: It's 1949. You and your family live in Fujian, China. A friend invites you to the island of Kinmen for a short vacation. You hop on a ferry and, a 10-kilometer ride later, you're on Kinmen. While there, your hometown falls to PLA troops, the People’s Republic of China is founded, and the ROC retreats to Taiwan (and off-shore islands like Kinmen). You're stuck on one side while your sister and family are on the other. Each of the million-plus refugees who fled to Taiwan has some type of "exodus" story, and while people already on Taiwan would bear the brunt of the brutality of the then-one party authoritarian state the Nationalists would set up, those who fled China also suffered -- especially the pain of being stranded from their families. Drawing on Li Zhuqing’s best-selling biography “Daughters of the Flower Fragrant Garden,” we tell the story of Jun and Hong, two sisters separated by civil war.

(NOTE: Eryk has a bad cold and we apologize for his voice quality. Doctors say his resonant tones should return next week)

A Formosa Files INTERVIEW: Manuel Tsao Talks to Eryk About the 100+ Year Old Jhuzimen Hydro Power Plant - 竹仔門發電廠 Aug 21, 2022

The Jhuzimen Hydro Power Plant (竹仔門發電廠) was built by the colonial Japanese authorities in 1908 -- in what's now Meinung District (美濃區), Kaohsiung City. Manuel Tsao is a German national in the renewable energy business who has lived in Taiwan for over 15 years. But before coming here, he spent time in Japan -- and speaks Japanese fluently. And, while in Japan, Manuel became somewhat of an expert on the Jhuzimen Hydro Power Plant -- now called the Jhumen Unit of Kaohsiung/Ping-tung Power Plant of Taiwan Power Company (高屏發電廠竹門機組). Hear the story of this still-operating power plant, and learn a bit more about renewable energy in Taiwan from Manuel, in this special Formosa Files INTERVIEW.

Bonus Episode: "Taiwan in 100 Books" -- A Priest on Orchid Island Meets Sanmao (三毛) Aug 18, 2022

In this special episode, we thank listeners and talk briefly about season two (We are now being listened to in 90 countries/regions!!), and share an excerpt from the audiobook of John Ross' 2020 "Taiwan in 100 Books" related to Father Barry Martinson and the famous globetrotting Taiwanese author Sanmao (三毛).

S2-E22 - USS Tang: The Most Successful US Submarine of WWII Aug 11, 2022

War is not glorious, and shouldn’t be glorified. But war does provide the chance to be brave, and bravery can be glorious. Such was the case of Commander Richard O’Kane and the crew of the USS Tang. In 1944 the American submarine was on its fifth and most dangerous patrol yet, in the vital shipping lane of the Formosa (Taiwan) Strait. After their final torpedo was fired and the men already talking of home, a freak accident would leave the crew fighting for their lives, some on the surface and others trapped underwater.

NOTE: This was also the first time in history submariners were able to escape a sub without help from the surface, using a "Momsen lung."

Special CURRENT EVENTS Episode: Why hasn’t the PRC invaded Taiwan? Aug 04, 2022

We've gotten so many questions from Formosa Files listeners about the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan that we thought we'd do a round-up of previous attempts, fill in some history from 1949 to 2014 or so, and tell you why invading Taiwan isn't an easy mission... for the PLA of China, or any military, for that matter

S2-E21 - Taiwan's Global Shipping Empire - EVERGREEN Jul 28, 2022

Go virtually anywhere in the world and you'll see them: green shipping containers with large white letters reading "EVERGREEN." The company is one of the biggest and best in the shipping world, while also having a hand in air travel and a dozen other ventures. The man who started it all was one of those rare "self-made" billionaires. Overcoming poverty and personal tragedy, he worked his way up from the “banana boats” to build his own company, starting with one small vessel in the 1960s. Today, Evergreen’s giant container ships, some as long as 400 meters, ply the seas to bring people across the planet everything from cars to toilet paper. This is the story of the remarkable 張榮發 Chang Yung-fa (Zhang Rong-fa ), 1927-2016, the founder of Evergreen Marine.

Bonus Episode: "Taiwan in 100 Books" - A Martial Arts Hoax Jul 20, 2022

In this special episode, we talk about where the inspiration for the Formosa Files podcast came from, and share an excerpt from the podcast's origin source: John Ross' 2020 book "Taiwan in 100 Books." After our quick chat, enjoy a segment from chapter one of the audiobook of "Taiwan in 100 Books" read by Eryk

S2-E20 - Mr. and Mrs. Giles - *Wade-Giles Chinese Romanization Jul 14, 2022

Why is "Kaohsiung" spelled so strangely? Shouldn't it be closer to "Gao-Shung"? (Or we could just use Hanyu Pinyin, "Gāoxióng"). Well, many names in Taiwan are spelled with the Latin alphabet, using a romanization system popularized by Mr. Herbert Giles, a British consul who spent 25 years in the treaty ports of China and Taiwan. The -- for some -- infamous Wade-Giles system renders "Pingdong" as "P’ing-tung," and "Taidong" as "T’ai-tung." It’s big on hyphens and apostrophes, too – T’ai-pei, T’ai-wan, Nan-t’ou – but this punctuation is seldom used correctly.

Mr. Giles played an important role as an early Sinologist and Chinese translator, while the second Mrs. Giles chronicled treaty port life in a series called China Coast Tales, which included two stories set in Danshui, where the couple lived in the 1880s. Mr. and Mrs. Giles were not only prolific writers, but both also had some strong opinions and were not shy in expressing them, which makes for a fun episode.

S2-E19 - Golf in Taiwan: A Surprisingly Long History Jul 07, 2022

Some might think golf came with U.S. troops after WWII, but the origins of this sport in Taiwan actually go much further back. Listen to this episode for stories of Japanese colonial officials discovering golf as the "new cool thing for elites" -- and ordering a course built in just a few hours! Plus, the story of Lu Liang-huan (呂良煥), a man from a poor family who worked his way up from being a caddy to an impressive 2nd place win at the 1971 British Open.

S2-E18 - Teresa Teng 鄧麗君 - "Asia's Eternal Queen of Pop" Jun 30, 2022

Teresa Teng (Deng Lijun 鄧麗君) was arguably Asia's first pop superstar, a singer from Taiwan who won hearts across the continent and the world. Teng got so famous in behind-the-bamboo-curtain China that PLA air force defectors to the Republic of China (Taiwan) cited her music as an inspiration for literally flying to freedom. Teresa Teng recorded more than 1,500 songs in Mandarin, Taiwanese, Cantonese, Japanese, English, Indonesian and Italian -- and is credited with laying the foundations of popular Chinese music.

S2-E17 - The Brief and Often Forgotten Kingdom of Dongning 東寧王國 Jun 23, 2022

Koxinga's eldest son, Zheng Jing, -- the ruler of the short-lived Kingdom of Dongning (1661-1683) -- almost lost his head in his late teens. Daddy Zheng Chenggong (Koxinga) twice ordered his execution for fooling around with a wet nurse. But Zheng Jing survived and soon after became ruler-warlord upon Koxinga's sudden death. Koxinga (鄭成功) and his armies had defeated the Dutch in modern-day Tainan, but their goal wasn't Taiwan. They wanted to use Formosa as a base from which to retake China and restore the Ming Dynasty, which had been toppled by northern foreigners -- the Manchus -- who established the Qing Dynasty. When Koxinga's son Zheng Jing (鄭經) came to power, however, he and some of his generals set themselves a different goal -- conquering the Spanish Philippines!! (What??)

S2-E16 - Ang Lee in the Spotlight: His Story from Pingtung to Hollywood Jun 16, 2022

Two-time Academy Award winning director Ang Lee (李安) is probably the most globally famous person from Taiwan. But this Pingtung-born movie master actually started out wanting to be an actor. And, if it had not been for his wife’s insistence to keep pursuing his filmmaking dreams, Lee would likely have given up and opened a Chinese restaurant instead! Luckily for the world, that didn't happen. Here's the story of one of the greatest modern movie directors, the man behind “The Wedding Banquet,” “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” “Brokeback Mountain,” and “The Life of Pi,”... the Taiwanese-American Ang Lee.

S2-E-15 - "123 Freedom Day" Taiwan's Shadowy Involvement in the Korean War - Part Two Jun 09, 2022

The Korean War would almost certainly have ended much earlier but for the tricky question of what to do with Chinese POWs. The 21,000 Red Chinese soldiers captured were finally given a choice: go home to China...or go to "Free China" on Taiwan, the ROC. The choices made by these captives were not, however, free from influence. Every side in the conflict had an angle that would benefit themselves, and each tried to steer the POWs to making the "right choice." Some of this "steering" involved drastic measures such as forcibly tattooing political slogans -- or, worse, cutting such tattoos off. Here's the somewhat forgotten tale of why Taiwan once annually celebrated "123 Freedom Day."

S2-E14 - Taiwan's Shadowy Involvement in the Korean War - Part One Jun 02, 2022

It's 1950 and a war-weary world is at it again. Communist China pours fuel on the conflict in Korea by sending in a quarter of a million soldiers. ROC President Chiang Kai-shek has, from the start, offered to send his Nationalist troops. MacArthur is now, more than ever, determined to use them. But American president Truman continues to say "No!" and he fires MacArthur over the general's resistance to Washington's policy of containing the war. Taiwan, however, would end up playing a central role in the war. Here's just one example: The UN/US forces can't understand Chinese radio intercepts or interrogate Chinese prisoners. Is there somewhere with Mandarin speakers who have translation and interrogation experience? Yep. Taiwan. Listen to part one of this episode now... and make sure to come back for part two, to hear the tale of how Taiwan indirectly helped the Korean War drag on for close to two extra years.

S2-E13 - A Cruise on an Opium Clipper to Takao (Kaohsiung) May 26, 2022

Kaohsiung Harbor was, in the late twentieth century, one of the world's busiest ports, but back during the time of the Opium Wars, it was still a rather secluded and hard-to-find place. Based on the somewhat embellished "A Cruise in an Opium Clipper," this is the story of how a British merchant ship carrying chests of opium found its way to Takao -- modern-day Kaohsiung. Today, of course, opium is mostly illegal, but as you'll hear... back then it was quite popular, and considered by many to be no worse than alcohol. So, trim the mainsail, hard to starboard... and another barrel of grog! We're sailing to 'Ta-ku'!

S2-E12 - "The National Game" -- Taiwan Falls in and out of Love with Baseball May 19, 2022

After the Americans introduced baseball to Japan in the late 19th century, Japan took the game John Ross might call "a corruption of cricket" to their new colonial possession, where it became a hit. Surviving -- somewhat surprisingly -- the arrival of the Nationalists in 1949, baseball was officially ignored for the most part, which helped usher in a "Golden Age'' for the game and its rise to the status of "national game." But harnessed for political and material gain, baseball would be tarnished by a series of scandals that left fans unhappy and out of the stands. In the 2020s, however, there are signs of a revival... Could the "Guo Qiu" be making a comeback?

A Formosa Files INTERVIEW: ICRT General Manager Tim Berge May 15, 2022

Taiwan's only English radio station, International Community Radio Taipei (ICRT) has been a part of millions of Taiwanese -- and many an expat in Taiwan's -- lives since it took over from the US military in 1979. Tim Berge, a 30+ year Taiwan resident, has spent most of his years here working for ICRT, and is today the station's GM. In this new Formosa Files interview feature, Tim Berge talks to Eryk about where ICRT came from, waxes nostalgic over the 'golden era' of the 1980s-90s, give info on how ICRT is funded, tells a few lesser-known stories and answers questions about common misconceptions.

(Full disclosure: Eryk Michael Smith has, since 2007, worked for or with ICRT as a writer, news broadcaster, and 'stringer' reporter from south Taiwan)

S2-E11 - Taiwan's Nearest Neighbors - the 1,000+ Kilometer-Long Ryukyu Island Chain May 12, 2022

Taiwan lies at the heart of what's called the "first island chain," a boring name for a long line of amazing islands that stretches from Borneo to Russia’s Kuril Islands. The main island of Taiwan's closest neighbor is Yonaguni Island, part of what is today Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. Formerly it was part of the Ryukyu Kingdom, itself a vassal state of first Ming China, and then Japan after a 1609 invasion from Kyushu. In 1879, Japan officially annexed the islands into its empire, and then turned their gaze to nearby Taiwan. The connections between Okinawa (the Ryukyus) and Taiwan are not well-documented, but there were many, both in the distant and recent past. Here are a few of those stories.

S2-E10 - Christian Samurai – Japan’s Katana Diplomacy in Taiwan May 05, 2022

After unifying Japan’s warring states, supreme feudal lord Hideyoshi launched a massive invasion of Korea. In 1593, a year into this Imjin War of 1592-1598, he sent an envoy to Taiwan on a doomed mission to establish formal diplomatic and trade relations. In 1609 and 1616, the Japanese Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, hoping to establish indirect trading links with China, sent two larger missions to Taiwan. They were led and manned by Christian samurai from the island of Kyushu, which in the late 1500s had seen amazing success by Portuguese and Spanish missionaries in converting the population. Both expeditions to Taiwan were failures to the point of farce, but the many misunderstandings and missteps make for fantastic stories. Get ready for some katana-flavored diplomacy, with generous servings of piracy, abducted envoys, and a lot of seppuku.

S2-E9 - The Murder of Pai Hsiao-yen and the Alexander Family Hostage Crisis Apr 28, 2022

April 1997. Taiwan’s crime story of the century starts with the kidnapping and murder of a celebrity’s 12-year-old daughter by a trio of hardened criminals. In the seven-month crime spree that follows, there are more kidnappings, killings, rapes, police manhunts and shoot-outs. The climax comes in November when Chen Chin-hsing (陳進興), the sole survivor of the trio, takes foreign hostages; South African military attaché to the ROC, McGill Alexander and his family are held at gunpoint at their Taipei home for twenty nightmarish hours.

S2-E8 - Makalu Gao: The Taiwanese Climber Who Survived a Night on Mt. Everest Apr 21, 2022

The high number of deaths during the 1996 Mt. Everest climbing season supplied a tragic plotline for books, movies, and documentaries. Taiwanese climbers did not come out of these accounts looking competent -- to say the least -- but the record may need to be corrected. Here's the story of Makalu Gao, who survived a death sentence: an overnight stay at the top of the world -- without food or oxygen -- as well as the tale of numerous heroes who helped save Gao, and others, over those deadly days in May 1996.

S2-E7 - Dr. Peng Ming-min (1923-2022) - Part 2: Escaping Taiwan and a Hero's Return Apr 14, 2022

How do you get a famous, one-armed democracy activist -- who is under house arrest and being watched 24/7 by the authorities -- off of a well-guarded, militarized island? Hint: A team of brave supporters, some forgery, and a whole lot of chutzpah. Hear the conclusion of the tale of the amazing life of the late Dr. Peng Ming-min.

S2-E6 - Dr. Peng Ming-min (1923-2022) - Part 1 - The Incredible Life of a Democracy Fighter Apr 08, 2022

Dr. Peng Ming-min (彭明敏) was a Taiwanese pro-independence/pro-democracy activist who lived an exceptional life - losing an arm in a WWII US air raid, witnessing the atomic bombing of Nagasaki, and being arrested for sedition after returning to Taiwan -- to name just a few of the amazing parts of his life story. In part one of this tale, we delve into Dr. Peng's background and take you up to the day of his arrest in Taipei in 1964.

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UPDATE: Not long after recording this episode, it was announced that Dr. Peng had passed away in the early morning hours of April 8th, 2022, at the age of 98. We offer our heartfelt condolences to his family - and may he rest in peace. Whether one agrees with all his political views or not, it's undeniable that Dr. Peng Ming-min was a powerful advocate for and champion of Taiwanese democracy -- the freedoms we enjoy in Taiwan today were fought for by people such as Dr. Peng, for which we are sincerely grateful.

S2-E5 - Tragedy on Taiwan's Majestic Mountains Apr 07, 2022

Two-thirds of this island is mountainous, and climbing the mountains -- or even just driving across them -- is an awesome experience. But, woe be to those that are unprepared... or, sadly, just unlucky. With many peaks over 3,000 meters, when things go wrong up there, they can go very wrong.

S2-E4 - Searching for the "Motherland" Mar 31, 2022

Western-style adoption (as in a couple taking a baby home from an orphanage) has not been and is still not very common in Taiwan. But there are plenty of local ways kids find new homes here, including a now-abandoned, rather shocking "brother-sister/husband-wife" arrangement! And -- for a time -- quite a few girls, in particular, were adopted by American, Australian and European parents, who raised the children back in their home countries. Several of these foreign-raised Taiwan-born girls would become local media sensations when they returned to the island in search of their "mother-land."

S2-E3 - The Lamey Island Massacre Mar 24, 2022

In 1622 and then again in 1631, crew members (including foraging parties and shipwreck survivors) from Dutch ships were killed by the aboriginal people on Lamey Island, what is today’s Pingtung County’s Xiao Liuqiu (小琉球). The Dutch East India Company’s regional headquarters in Batavia (Jakarta) sent orders to the Dutch commanders on Taiwan to: “Completely depopulate the island... as a warning to others!” And this, sadly, was done. The Lamey islanders were killed or deported, mostly to Taiwan but some ended up as far afield as Japan, Southeast Asia, and Europe. A grisly tale, but one that deserves to be more widely known.

S2-E2 - Thomas Barclay: The Man Who Helped Save a City Mar 17, 2022

It's 1895 and Formosa has officially become part of the Japanese Empire. Not everyone on the island is super happy about this, and bursts of violent resistance are put down by imperial troops as they march for the rebel capital of the self-declared Republic of Formosa, Tainan. Japan's General Nogi is losing patience. If Tainan doesn't surrender, he might just level the city with artillery. But a group of locals and foreign missionaries embark on a brave quest that would lead to the oldest city in Taiwan not being turned into a heap of rubble

S2-E1 - The CIA vs. Made in Taiwan Nukes Mar 10, 2022

After the U.S. dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima in 1945, nations around the world began thinking about acquiring nuclear weapons of their own. Among them was China, then ruled by supreme leader Chiang Kai-shek. The Nationalists' retreat to Taiwan interrupted those early ambitions, but when the PRC successfully detonated a nuclear device in 1964, CKS stepped up efforts to develop nukes. This secret program continued after the death of Chiang Kai-shek in 1975 and came surprisingly close to success. Taiwan, however, would not end up joining the Atomic Club. Here's the story of how that happened:

Bonus Mini-Episode: Eryk Calls John for a Chat About Taiwan's Indigenous Peoples Feb 24, 2022

When did people first get to Taiwan? Was there a land bridge? Plus... a few interesting legends. A short phone call that's a fun intro to Taiwan’s prehistory.

Bonus Episode 01 - What Were the Dutch Doing in Formosa Anyway? Feb 07, 2022

The Dutch were expelled from southwestern Taiwan by pirate warlord and Ming loyalist Koxinga in 1662. Their relatively brief stay of 38 years was marked by impressive achievements and lasting impacts. But why they were there in the first place? What did they want? Who did they trade with? How did they get along with the locals? Enjoy a mini "deep dive" in this bonus episode exploring Dutch Formosa.

S1-E25 - From Russia With Love: ROC First Lady Faina Chiang Jan 25, 2022

In 1933, on a winter’s night in the Russian town of Yekaterinburg, Faina Vakhreva -- then 17 years old -- was walking home and became the unwanted subject of attention of a Russian man who began harassing her. A 23-year-old Chinese man also walking home at the time, saw what was happening and chased away the harasser. The Chinese man was future Taiwan (ROC) president Chiang Ching-kuo. Faina and CCK would be a couple for 55 years.

S1-E24 - Taiwan's Awesome National Health Insurance System Jan 16, 2022

In the mid-1990s Taiwanese politicians got together, and, after much wrangling, settled on a national health insurance system that today is the envy of many countries around the world. Here's the story of how we got to a single-payer, government-subsidized, mandatory program that provides more than decent care at incredibly decent rates. While not without faults, overall, it's pretty darn awesome.

S1-E23 - Walls of Death Jan 09, 2022

In the 1980s, Japan's, South Korea's, and Taiwan’s massive fishing fleets gained notoriety for their destructive driftnet fishing. The use of giant driftnets, sometimes tens of kilometers long, threatened to turn the oceans into deserts. In 1989 the United States launched a high-seas sting operation, which culminated in a US coastguard cutter chasing a Taiwanese fishing boat carrying illegally-caught salmon for 2,700 miles across the Pacific. This operation would help bring an end to these “walls of death.”

S1-E22 - The Cruel Sea Dec 30, 2021

Despite the failed attempt to create a myth of a Pacific Ocean "Bermuda Triangle" near Taiwan, the seas around this island are indeed cruel... ships sometimes disappear without a trace. It's little wonder the majority of temples here are devoted to Mazu, Goddess of the Sea, who watches over fishermen. We tell of shipping and transport vessels encountering tragedy, but two of this episode's most surprising stories involve unlikely victims: a dashing French baron crossing the Taiwan Strait, and sightseers on a lake cruise.

S1-E21 - The "Best" Hijacking in History? Dec 23, 2021

The word "stalemate" defined relations between Taiwan and China in the 1970s and early 1980s. Neither side wanted to legitimize the other with "official" talks so ideas such as postal and travel links, as well as the most important - family reunions - went nowhere. But everything would change in 1986 when a former ROC Airforce U2 spy plane pilot did the unthinkable - hijacking his China Airlines cargo plane and flying it to Guangzhou.

S1-E20 - The "Iron Man of Asia" Dec 19, 2021

Maysang Kalimud, better known by his Chinese name C.K. Yang (楊傳廣), is arguably the greatest Taiwanese athlete of all time. In 1960, this native Taiwanese from the Amis tribe came within an inch of winning the Olympic decathlon competition held in Rome. He took silver, but C.K. Yang's friendship with the man who won gold in that event in '60, American Rafer Johnson, is the stuff of sportsmanship legend. Here's the story of C.K. Yang (1933-2007) ... a Taiwanese athlete like no other.

S1-E19 - The End of the Qing Dec 16, 2021

War in northern Vietnam spills over into Taiwan, with French troops occupying several ports. This wake-up call for the Qing prompts an upgrading of their neglected frontier prefecture; Taiwan becomes a province, and the authorities finally start to develop and strengthen the island. It's too little too late, however, and Peking's weak commitment to Taiwan is shown in 1895, when it cedes Taiwan and the Pescadores "in perpetuity" to Japan. After 212 years, Qing rule over Taiwan comes to an end. But before Japanese colonial rule begins, there will be a short-lived Republic of Formosa.

S1-E18 - Shipwreck Savagery and Clandestine Colonization Dec 09, 2021

After native people in the far south of Formosa kill survivors from the wrecked US merchant vessel The Rover in 1867, the Americans send a punitive expedition. A few years later, the survivors of a Japanese (Ryukyuan) shipwreck are also killed, near Pingtung's Mudan. The Qing authorities' weak response to the incidents will sow the seeds for Japanese colonization of the island.

S1-E17 - Missionaries Pull Teeth in Treaty Ports Dec 05, 2021

The Second Opium War (1856-1860) lead to the opening of Danshui, near Taipei, and Anping (Tainan) as treaty ports. Soon after, the Qing authorities opened Takao (Kaohsiung) and Keelung to foreign ships. First came the foreign traders, then the missionaries... one of the latter would become a household name on the island: George Leslie Mackay, a man who used his dentistry skills -- and a pair of pliers -- to help spread the word.

S1-E16 - Japanese Formosa Catches Spy Fever Dec 01, 2021

As the Empire secretly prepared for a coming war with the aim of dominating Asia, visitors to and foreign residents on Japanese Formosa fell under suspicion. Spies lurked everywhere in the 1930s!! --in the fevered imaginations of the local authorities, that is.

S1-E15 - Japan Puts on a Show Nov 25, 2021

Determined to prove that they were just as fit to be imperialists as the great Western powers, the Japanese were keen to show off the "model colony" of Taiwan. The most ambitious attempt to do this was at the Japan-British Exhibition, held in London in 1910, which included a small Formosan village with real native Taiwanese on display! Here's a lesser-known story of a small group of Paiwanese aborigines from Pingtung who traveled across the world and back as a kind of "zoo" exhibit... but that didn't stop them from making friends and the best of a unique experience.

S1-E14 - Buddhism "In Action" – Taiwan's Remarkable Tzu Chi Charity Group Nov 18, 2021

Tzu Chi is unique in relying on mostly laypersons instead of clergy, focusing on real-world problems instead of only the spiritual, and having an extremely open-minded attitude towards other faiths – this Buddhist group built Catholic and Protestant churches for native Taiwanese people who lost their villages in Typhoon Morakot! The story begins with a remarkable woman – then called Jun Yun – who would become Master Cheng Yen, the founder of the largest charity group in Taiwan.

S1-E13 - The Orangutan Craze Nov 11, 2021

As one of the four "Asian Tigers," Taiwan's economy roared in the 1980s, but free-flowing money came with downsides such as the exploitation of wild animals, including tigers.

S1-E12 - The "Made in Taiwan" Miracle Nov 03, 2021

U.S. economic aid to Taiwan ceased in 1965. Mostly agrarian Taiwan needed to come up with new ways to make money... and it did! From manufacturing Barbie dolls to computers, here’s the story of what many call the island’s “economic miracle.”

S1-E11 - All Hail the Duck King! Oct 27, 2021

Uprisings were exceptionally common over the 212 years of Qing Dynasty rule on Taiwan... but only one rebellion actually took the capital (Tainan) and led to officials fleeing for Penghu. Here's the story of Zhu Yi-gui, a duck farmer, who in 1721, became the self-declared ruler of Taiwan. His reign was short-lived but he would earn himself immortality in popular memory as the Duck King.

S1-E10 - The Qing Empire Doesn't Really Want Taiwan Oct 21, 2021

After the heirs of Koxinga surrender to the Qing, the imperial court isn't sure what to do with the island -- but a wily admiral convinces Emperor Kangxi to keep it. Plus: the story of the person who arguably wrote the very first Taiwan travelogue.

S1-E9 - The Empire's Last Soldier Oct 14, 2021

He was the last Pacific WWII holdout and a native Taiwanese from the Amis tribe... here's the remarkable story of a Japanese colonial soldier who didn't get home until the mid-1970s!

S1-E8 - POWs, Bombing Raids, and Kamikazes Oct 08, 2021

Initially relatively spared, as WWII in the Pacific reaches a climax, Taiwan is hit hard by advancing Allied forces. POWs in camps across the island await liberation and in modern-day Tainan, a Japanese commander assembles the first kamikaze unit on Formosa.

Note: There early episodes were recorded in a home studio, the sound quality, and the delivery of the stories (we think) has much improved since 2021.

Visit formosafiles.com for more.

S1-E7 - Luzon or Formosa? - Taiwan Dodges WWII Invasion Sep 30, 2021

World War II in the Pacific is coming to a close... American military top brass meet with the President to pick the island from which to launch the final attack on Japan. Taiwan -- in particular, southern Taiwan -- is a strong candidate. Hear some interesting war stories and...oh, the tale of the "Holy Bamboo" of Pingtung.

S1-E6 - Big Crises on Tiny Islands Sep 30, 2021

The Korean War is over, and Mao turns again to the mission of invading Taiwan. To do that, his forces will need to first take some tiny islands just off the coast of China... which is easier said than done. Here's the story of the two "Cross-Strait Crises."

Note: These early episodes were done in a home studio, sound quality has much improved since 2021.

Visit formosafiles.com for more.

S1-E5 - Rioters Ransack the Taipei U.S. Embassy (1957) Sep 25, 2021

A U.S. officer shoots dead a 'Peeping Tom' allegedly spying on the officer's wife as she took a shower. The subsequent trial and verdict lead to the incredible -- yet little-known -- story of riots that ransacked the US embassy in downtown Taipei... in 1957! --When the ROC and the USA were supposed to be best buddies.

S1-E4 - Mao Really Wants Taiwan - and a Taiwanese Spy Almost Gave it to Him! Sep 16, 2021

Only one Taiwanese person is known to have survived the famed Long March of Chinese communists led by "Chairman" Mao. Hear the story of Cai Xiaoqian (蔡孝乾) from modern-day Changhua County, who became Mao's spymaster in Taiwan... and whose work almost led to a successful invasion!

S1-E3 - The Fall of Fort Zeelandia Sep 11, 2021

The Dutch put up a good fight... but a traitor seals their fate. Here's the end of the story of how the Dutch lost Taiwan.

S1-E2 - Koxinga VS. The Dutch - Round One Sep 11, 2021

Pirate Warlord Koxinga's successful invasion of Taiwan changed everything. Here's part one of the tale of an epic, nine-month struggle with the Dutch in Anping, modern-day Tainan.

S1-E1 - The White Formosan Sep 06, 2021

How could a 'very white' European man get away with showing up in London in 1703 and claiming to be from Formosa? In this first episode of FORMOSA FILES, we look at this fascinating story of a French con-man, and the bigger picture of what the West knew about Formosa/Taiwan roughly three to four centuries ago.

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