Strait Forward

• Episode 11 - Defense Tech

  In this episode of Strait Forward, recorded at SCSP’s AI+ Expo, hosts Channing Lee and Libby Lange are joined by Dr. Yuh-Jye Lee, Senior Advisor at Taiwan's National Security Council. With a background in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and applied mathematics, Dr. Lee offers a unique perspective on how Taiwan can leverage emerging technologies for national defense.Welcome to Strait Forward Live (00:02:19:56 - 00:03:07:32): Hosts Channing Lee and Libby Lange introduce the podcast, recorded live at the AI+ Expo, and welcome special guest Dr. Yuh-Jye Lee, Senior Advisor at Taiwan's National Security Council.Expo Reflections (00:03:49:58 - 00:04:44:31): Dr. Lee shares his excitement for being back in D.C. and highlights the drone arena as the most impressive exhibit he's seen at the AI Expo.Building Taiwan's Innovation Ecosystem for National Security (00:04:44:31 - 00:07:36:24): Dr. Lee discusses Taiwan's strategy for developing defense innovation, emphasizing the need for asymmetric capabilities, leveraging Taiwan's manufacturing foundation, and the creation of a new defense innovation office.Taiwan's Drone Strategy (00:08:19:53 - 00:12:41:29): Insights into Taiwan's approach to drone production, the potential for mass production, concerns about component sourcing, and the opportunity for Taiwan to contribute to a "democracy supply chain" by avoiding Chinese components.Developing Taiwan's Own AI Models (00:13:05:48 - 00:17:05:55): Dr. Lee explains the importance of Taiwan developing its own AI models, such as TAIDE, the "Trustworthy AI Dialogue Engine," to safeguard culture, values, and national security from external influences, especially from the PRC. Taiwan's New Cybersecurity Strategy (00:17:26:59 - 00:24:38:01): Discussion on Taiwan's new national cybersecurity strategy, driven by the rapid evolution of cyber threats and AI. Dr. Lee details its four pillars: whole-of-society defense resilience, homeland defense and critical infrastructure, key industries and supply chains, and application and security of AI. He highlights the need for international collaboration.Energy Resilience in Taiwan (00:24:54:29 - 00:29:17:44): Dr. Lee addresses Taiwan's energy policy, including the decision to move away from nuclear power due to safety and waste concerns. He discusses the growth of green energy and the potential for sending data abroad to energy-abundant countries for AI model training,  reducing energy imports.Dr. Lee's Taiwan Recommendation (00:29:44:54 - 00:31:02:34): Dr. Lee encourages listeners to visit Taiwan to experience its diverse natural beauty, from beaches to high mountains, all within a short travel distance.Audience Q&A Invitation (00:31:24:40 - 00:32:31:47): Libby and Channing invite listeners to submit questions for a future "Ask Me Anything" podcast episode via email at [email protected] Strait Forward is a podcast by the Special Competitive Studies Project.

  --------  

  30:04

  --------

  30:04
• Episode 10 - Digital Diplomacy

  In this week’s episode of Strait Forward, filmed at our recent AI+ Expo, Channing Lee and Libby Lange speak with Chiayo Kuo, Founder of the Taiwan Digital Diplomacy Association. She shares her experiences conducting diplomacy in cyberspace and her vision for the future of AI-enabled diplomacy. Strait Forward is a podcast by the Special Competitive Studies Project.

  --------  

  23:58

  --------

  23:58
• Episode 9 - Economic Security

  On this episode of Strait Forward, hosts Channing Lee and Libby Lange unpack how economic security is reshaping national security, detailing the measures the United States has adopted—from investment reviews to export controls—to protect its innovation edge.The episode features an insightful discussion with Jeremy Chih-Cheng Chang, CEO of the Research Institute for Democracy, Society, and Emerging Technology (DSET). Jeremy details Taiwan's longstanding experience with economic statecraft vis-à-vis China, including its pioneering outbound investment screening framework and its strategic "N-1" principle for technology flows. He also shares Taiwan's efforts to cultivate secure, trusted supply chains for key technologies like drones, advocating for deeper U.S.-Taiwan collaboration to counter geopolitical threats and maintain global technological leadership.What is Economic Security? (00:24 - 01:07)Hosts Channing Lee and Libby Lange open the episode discussing their observations from the AI+ Expo about the increasing prevalence of economic security in national security conversations.U.S. Economic Security Tools (01:07 - 03:39)The hosts detail the steps taken by the United States to prioritize economic security. This includes the enhanced capabilities of CFIUS through FIRRMA (2018) to review investments in critical technologies and infrastructure, as well as efforts to restrict outbound investment that could fund the Chinese military. They also touch on export controls on advanced AI chips by consecutive U.S. administrations.The Critical Role of Allies and Partners (03:39 - 04:18)The conversation highlights that the US cannot unilaterally enforce economic security in a global economy. The hosts cite the collaborative restriction on exporting high-capacity lithography machines to China by the Netherlands, Japan, and the United States as a prime example of effective allied action.Introduction to Jeremy Chang (05:58 - 08:07)The hosts welcome Jeremy Chang, CEO and Director of Economic Security research at DSET (Research Institute for Democracy, Society, and Emerging Technology), Taiwan's premier think tank on national security and technology. Jeremy introduces DSET's mission and its founding context.Taiwan's Unique Economic Relationship with China (10:04 - 12:08)Jeremy explains the complex and evolving economic relationship between Taiwan and China. He describes how it has shifted from a complementary dynamic, where Taiwan helped industrialize China with technology and capital, to one of increasing competition as China aims for manufacturing dominance.Taiwan's Pioneering Economic Security Framework (12:32 - 19:11)Jeremy elaborates on Taiwan's proactive stance on economic security. He notes Taiwan's implementation of an outbound investment screening system in 1993, predating many international counterparts. He also introduces Taiwan's "N-1 principle" for controlling technology flows, ensuring China’s access to Taiwanese innovation is always at least one generation behind.The Future of Taiwan's Semiconductor Industry (19:33 - 23:30)Jeremy discusses the current pressures on Taiwan's semiconductor industry to diversify manufacturing globally. He frames the investment of Taiwanese tech companies abroad, such as TSMC's presence in the US, as a "win-win scenario" that strengthens interdependence and serves the national interests of both the U.S. and Taiwan.Creating "Non-Red Supply Chains" for Strategic Technologies (23:52 - 30:30)DSET advocates for developing supply chains free from Chinese components, particularly for strategic technologies like drones. Jeremy explains the urgency, given China's dominance and "weaponization" of the drone market, and discusses Taiwan's active efforts to build these "non-red" supply chains, including collaborations with Eastern European countries to support countries like Ukraine.Recommendations for U.S.-Taiwan Economic Security Cooperation (30:48 - 35:13)Jeremy offers key policy recommendations for strengthening U.S.-Taiwan cooperation on economic security. He stresses the importance of leveraging Taiwan's unique, on-the-ground intelligence and know-how regarding supply chains and China's industrial activities. Jeremy’s Taiwan Recommendation (35:13 - 37:19)Jeremy recommends DSET's research report: "Walking a Tightrope: Navigating Taiwan-U.S. Semiconductor Security Under Trump 2.0," which can be found on DSET's website at dset.tw/en.Reflections on the Conversation (38:45 - 40:44)Channing and Libby reflect on the importance of economic security to national security and Taiwan's foresight in this area given its relationship with China. They also underscore Taiwan's role as a "center of excellence" for understanding and navigating complex economic security challenges when it comes to China.For Further Reading:https://dset.tw/en/research/taiwan-us-semiconductor-security-under-trump-2-0/https://scsp222.substack.com/p/the-prcs-remote-poaching-model Strait Forward is a podcast by the Special Competitive Studies Project.

  --------  

  41:06

  --------

  41:06
• Episode 8 - The Birth of Taiwan's Chip Industry

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

  --------  

  42:25

  --------

  42:25
• Episode 7 - Keeping Watch on U.S.-Taiwan Ties

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

  --------  

  50:39

  --------

  50:39

More Education podcasts

Trending Education podcasts

About Strait Forward