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China-Taiwan Conflict Since 1949. Episodes

Since 1949, the conflict between Taiwan and the People’s Republic of China has centered on sovereignty, legitimacy, and security across the Taiwan Strait. After losing the Chinese Civil War, the Republic of China government retreated to Taiwan, maintaining that it remained the lawful government of all China. Meanwhile, the newly established People’s Republic of China asserted that Taiwan was a breakaway province that must eventually be reunified, by force if necessary. Both sides initially claimed to represent all of China, creating a prolonged political and military standoff.

During the Cold War, Taiwan was backed by the United States, especially after the outbreak of the Korean War in 1950, which led Washington to deploy the Seventh Fleet to the Taiwan Strait. Several crises followed, including artillery bombardments of offshore islands in the 1950s, underscoring the risk of direct conflict. Over time, Taiwan shifted from an authoritarian regime to a democratic political system, particularly after martial law was lifted in 1987 and direct presidential elections began in 1996. These democratic developments complicated cross Strait relations, as Taiwan’s electorate gained a greater voice in defining the island’s future.

Today, the conflict remains unresolved. Beijing continues to claim sovereignty and increases military pressure, while Taiwan operates as a self governing democracy with its own military, economy, and international partnerships.
Ping-Pong with Mao in Taiwan: The Chairman (1969) – S6-E7
7
April 22, 2026

Ping-Pong with Mao in Taiwan: The Chairman (1969) – S6-E7

We step into the strange Cold War world of The Chairman, a forgotten 1969 spy thriller starring Hollywood great Gregory Peck. The movie, which was partly filmed in Taiwan, is about a scientist sent behind the Bamboo Curtain to steal a miracle agricultural formula. The plot is outlandish, but behind the absurdity lies an interesting snapshot of global fears in the late 1960s, from overpopulation and famine to superpower rivalry. We follow the film production here in Taiwan (a stand-in for off-limits communist China). This takes us to locations such as Taipei’s spectacular mountainside Zhinan Temple, where Peck plays ping-pong with Mao Zedong. Yes, The Chairman was a flop – deservedly so, we think – but the film certainly makes for a fun podcast episode. Watch movie for free on YT; link below.
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The Extraordinary Life of Huang Chin-tao (Part 2) – S6-E3
3
March 26, 2026

The Extraordinary Life of Huang Chin-tao (Part 2) – S6-E3

Huang Chin-tao (黃金島) was never a household name, but his life story is the story of modern Taiwan. In this concluding episode, we follow Huang from the 2.28 uprising in 1947 as he joins a resistance group led by a rare combination: a Taiwanese woman communist guerrilla commander, Xie Xuehong, whom we've dubbed Agent "Red Snow." After fighting bravely but losing the Battle of Wuniulan Bridge in Nantou, Huang becomes a fugitive and then spends more than two decades in Taiwan’s prisons. There is, however, finally some happiness: a few years after being released, he found love and became a political activist in what would become Taiwan's first real opposition party. For this tale of resistance, survival, and a regular man’s refusal to be broken by history, we drew on Anna Beth Keim’s excellent biography "Heaven Does Not Block All Roads."
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Shulinkou Air Station – Part 2 – S5-E38
38
Dec. 3, 2025

Shulinkou Air Station – Part 2 – S5-E38

We continue the story of the Shulinkou Air Station and the American military in the early 1960s. We tackle Taiwan’s infamous gravel-truck killers (urban legend or fact?), get slapped by Typhoon Gloria, and have our duck-hunting excursion interrupted by the Generalissimo’s latest China invasion plans. And we follow the trail of controversial crimes and court verdicts which led to the ROC and U.S. finally signing a Status of Forces Agreement. On a lighter note, we also take time out for some catered Mongolian barbecue.
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“The Eleventh Commandment” – the First Western Movie Shot in Taiwan – S5-E34
34
Oct. 29, 2025

“The Eleventh Commandment” – the First Western Movie Shot in Taiwan – S5-E34

This wonderfully weird story is part of our “almost-no-one’s-ever-hear-of-Taiwan-trivia” collection, and man… it’s wild. Plot synopsis: A Cold War warrior movie director makes the first Western film in Taiwan in the winter of 1959/1960. In the film, the characters come to Taiwan from Iowa to learn about the evils of communism(?). Next week, we’ll get back to some “real” history, but today, enjoy 30 minutes of almost pure insanity from Formosa Files.
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Teresa Teng 鄧麗君 – “Asia’s Eternal Queen of Pop” (2025 Remastered Re-release)
June 19, 2025

Teresa Teng 鄧麗君 – “Asia’s Eternal Queen of Pop” (2025 Remastered Re-release)

It has now been 30 years since the passing of Teresa Teng 鄧麗君, the legendary Taiwanese singer who transformed Asian pop music, and even influenced regional politics. But three decades have not dimmed her star. Teng remains beloved by millions across Asia and around the world. Now, to the delight of her fans, there is news of one final encore from the “Eternal Queen of Asian Pop”: a previously undiscovered Japanese-language recording has been found. The new song is reportedly set for release on June 25, 2025. To mark the occasion, we’re re-releasing this classic 2022 Formosa Files episode celebrating her extraordinary life and legacy. Enjoy!
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Mark Kitto: “Last Boat Out of Shanghai” – musings and readings with John Ross on Shanghai-Taipei Connections – BONUS EPISODE
June 7, 2025

Mark Kitto: “Last Boat Out of Shanghai” – musings and readings with John Ross on Shanghai-Taipei Connections – BONUS EPISODE

Some have called Taipei a “mini-Shanghai.” If true, the emphasis might need to be on the word “mini.” The population of the greater Shanghai area is nearly 30 million, some six million more than the number of people who live in Taiwan. Yet, there are some interesting similarities – which mostly aren’t accidental. When CKS and the Nationalists took control in 1945, and then made Taipei the "ROC Provisional Capital" on December 7th, 1949, the new rulers began to shape Taipei in an image modeled in many ways after Shanghai. John Ross (world traveler that he is) has never been to this sprawling city, but Mark Kitto (English actor and author, most recently of China Running Dog , lived and worked there for around a decade. Mark and John discuss the Shanghai-Taipei connection via talking about and reading from the book, Last Boat Out of China , a tale of a family fleeing Red China and “temporarily” seeking shelter in Taipei.
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S5-E11 - “China’s Titanic” (1949) & The Cruise That Ended in Cremation (1994)
11
May 1, 2025

S5-E11 - “China’s Titanic” (1949) & The Cruise That Ended in Cremation (1994)

Often called “China’s Titanic,” the 1949 sinking of the Taiping claimed over 1,000 lives as desperate refugees fled Shanghai for Taiwan. Forty-five years later, another tragedy struck: 24 Taiwanese tourists were brutally murdered during a pleasure cruise on China’s Qiandao Lake. The deaths and the clumsy, heartless Chinese cover-up caused outrage in Taiwan. In this episode, Formosa Files is revisiting two haunting shipping disasters that reveal the human cost of war, exile, and political mistrust across the Taiwan Strait.
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[Special Encore] Jimmy Carter Dies at 100
Dec. 30, 2024

[Special Encore] Jimmy Carter Dies at 100

With a new intro and ending, this is a rerelease of one of our more popular episodes: the story of the decision by former U.S. president Jimmy Carter (1924-2024) to follow through with previous administration commitments to recognize the People’s Republic of China. The switch from the ROC to the PRC was a massive change that would slowly lead to the complicated de facto status the Republic of China has today: not technically recognized as a country, not thought to represent “China” anymore, but – at least for a huge number of nations – in reality, now a thriving, democratic, independent island nation known best by the name “Taiwan.”
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S4-E26 - Bits and Pieces - October 2024
26
Oct. 10, 2024

S4-E26 - Bits and Pieces - October 2024

Did you know? Joseph Stalin saved Chinese characters. (um… sort of) In Qing-era Taiwan, two men sometimes SHARED a wife! John has done 10 episodes of our other podcast, “Bookish Asia.” 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!
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S4-E17 - “UNDER PROTEST” – Taiwan at the Olympics
17
July 25, 2024

S4-E17 - “UNDER PROTEST” – Taiwan at the Olympics

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

BONUS Episode: Martial Arts Legend Hong Yixiang 洪懿祥

John talks with Chris Bates about one of Taiwan’s greatest ever martial artists, Hong Yixiang 洪懿祥 (1925–1993). He 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. )
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S4-E10 - Radio Wars
10
May 9, 2024

S4-E10 - Radio Wars

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

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

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.
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S3-E28 - More Bits and Pieces: Ox Ditches and an Unsinkable Warship
28
Sept. 21, 2023

S3-E28 - More Bits and Pieces: Ox Ditches and an Unsinkable Warship

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."
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S3-E27 - When Taiwan (ROC) Blockaded China (PRC)
27
Sept. 14, 2023

S3-E27 - When Taiwan (ROC) Blockaded China (PRC)

After retreating to Taiwan, the ROC government-in-exile ordered a naval blockade of China, which lasted officially until 1979. In the early years, it was much more aggressively enforced than one might imagine. 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, and being outside of Taiwanese and Chinese waters was no guarantee of safety. But, with several high-profile cases involving the seizure and confiscation of two Polish ships and 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. Sadly, some of those sailors who were on the seized vessels ended up in prisons in both the USSR... and Taiwan. Some were stuck here for over 30 years!
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S3-E26 - Taiwan as part of the Philippines? Or a British or German colony? “What Ifs” of Formosan History -- With Michael Turton
26
Sept. 7, 2023

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

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.
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S3-E21 - Blockading Taiwan
21
Aug. 11, 2023

S3-E21 - Blockading Taiwan

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

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

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.
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[Encore] Mao's Taiwanese Spymaster
June 6, 2023

[Encore] Mao's Taiwanese Spymaster

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. https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4910533
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S3-E6 - Gladys Aylward, Ingrid Bergman, and the Inn of the Eight Happinesses (八福客栈)
6
March 23, 2023

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

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.
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S2-E32 - “Defectors from the PRC to Taiwan, 1960-1989: The Anti-Communist Righteous Warriors” - Part Two
32
Nov. 3, 2022

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

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

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

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.
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Special CURRENT EVENTS Episode: Why hasn’t the PRC invaded Taiwan?
Aug. 4, 2022

Special CURRENT EVENTS Episode: Why hasn’t the PRC invaded Taiwan?

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.
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S2-E18 - Teresa Teng 鄧麗君 - "Asia's Eternal Queen of Pop"
18
June 30, 2022

S2-E18 - Teresa Teng 鄧麗君 - "Asia's Eternal Queen of Pop"

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.
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