Taiwanology

Episodes

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  Can Foxconn Do for Cars What It Did for iPhones?【Taiwanology Ep.66】 03.11.2026 31m

  Foxconn built its reputation assembling iPhones and now makes servers for Nvidia’s AI chips. Its next target is cars. Japanese carmakers such as Mitsubishi Motors are starting to test the model. In an exclusive interview at Hon Hai Tech Day in Taipei, Sachiko Aoki, who spent 35 years at Nissan before joining Foxconn, shows three new EVs and explains the pitch: unlike the iPhone, which Apple designs, these cars would be designed by Foxconn. Whether carmakers will trust it is an open question, but Foxconn seems ready to launch.Episode highlights00:00 Foxconn’s move from phones to cars04:02 3 new EV models on the floor14:23 Why Foxconn’s car model differs from iPhones16:07 Why Sachiko Aoki left Nissan for Foxconn after 35 years22:32 Chinese EV rivals and earning carmakers’ trust26:55 Why Japan’s market mattersHost: Kwangyin Liu, Deputy Managing Editor, CommonWealth MagazineGuest: Sachiko Aoki, Director of EV Product Planning, FoxconnProducers: Yayuan Chang, Weiru Wang＊Read more：https://english.cw.com.tw＊Share your thoughts：bill@cw.com.tw Powered by Firstory Hosting
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  How France and Taiwan Became Interdependent, From Industrial Gases to Chip Design【Taiwanology Ep.65】 22.09.2026 36m

  Frédéric Laplanche first came to Taiwan in 1995 as a graduate student. This year, he returned as the new director of the French Office in Taipei. In this interview, he emphasized the importance of building strong partnerships. Taiwan's chipmakers depend on French industrial gases, ultrapure water and silicon substrates, while Foxconn and ProLogium invest in France. What does a trusted partnership look like in practice? The answer involves a French chip designer, TSMC and a Statue of Liberty exhibition in Paris. Episode highlights:00:10 A "son-in-law of Taiwan" returns, 30 years on09:17 Why Taiwan matters more to France now15:24 Sovereignty through an ecosystem of trust19:54 Why Taiwan investment is flowing into France26:13 Why French suppliers and startups came to Semicon31:37 People-to-people ties and priorities aheadHost: Kwangyin Liu, Deputy Managing Editor, CommonWealth MagazineGuest: Frédéric Laplanche, Director of French Office in TaipeiProducers: Yayuan Chang, Weiru Wang＊Read more：https://english.cw.com.tw＊Share your thoughts：bill@cw.com.tw Powered by Firstory Hosting
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  Broken Chain: 1.8B Data Points Track China's Coast Guard in 1st Island Chain【Taiwanology Ep.64】 25.08.2026 28m

  Why has China Coast Guard made it a routine to patrol the east of Taiwan? Why has retired US Air Force colonel Ray Powell called this a quarantine? CommonWealth's cover story details the reporting behind "Broken Chain," built on 1.8 billion vessel data points. Our reporters recount our exclusive interview with National Security Council Secretary-General Joseph Wu. This episode traces a shared playbook across the first island chain, and why normalization may be the greatest danger.Episode highlights:00:00 The quarantine warning behind Broken Chain03:26 Su'ao fishermen grown numb to Chinese patrols10:09 Mapping 1.8 billion vessel data points14:38 Coast Guard SOPs and a Philippine warning17:33 Exclusive interview with NSC SecGen21:34 Indo-Pacific stakes, CSIS partnership, what's nextHost: Kwangyin Liu, Deputy Managing Editor, CommonWealth MagazineGuest: Steven Yeo, Data & Graphics engineer; Hazel Hsu, ReporterProducers: Yayuan Chang, Weiru Wang＊Read more：https://english.cw.com.tw/article/article.action?id=4930＊Share your thoughts：bill@cw.com.tw留言告訴我你對這一集的想法： https://open.firstory.me/user/cledx9shs004801v3cmkogc7e/comments Powered by Firstory Hosting
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  Why Semicon Taiwan Becomes a Beauty Pageant of Global Suppliers【Taiwanology Ep. 63】 18.08.2026 26m

  Taiwan's biggest semiconductor trade show just got more international. This year, Semicon Taiwan marks its 30th anniversary with a record 18 national pavilions, from the US to Mexico and Finland. Veteran tech journalist Judy Lin explains why so many countries now want proximity to Taiwan's chip ecosystem. Plus: whether AI chip demand is real or a bubble.Episode highlights:00:30 Why watch Taipei for the AI race01:50 Judy's path from Reuters markets desk, and what Semicon is06:33 A record 18 pavilions: Catalonia, Chihuahua, Finland, and Dresden's ripple effect11:55 Why countries want in: complementary tech, reversal of roles, and China's absence17:11 The legacy-chip risk, TSMC's dominance, and path dependency24:55 Chip bubble fear and why everyone should care about SemiconHost: Kwangyin Liu, Deputy Managing Editor, CommonWealth MagazineGuest: Judy Lin, founder of TechSodaProducers: Yayuan Chang, Weiru Wang＊Read more：https://english.cw.com.tw＊Share your thoughts：bill@cw.com.tw Powered by Firstory Hosting
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  Europe's Widening Case for Taiwan, From Chips to Information War【Taiwanology Ep. 62】 28.07.2026 35m

  TSMC in Dresden. Foxconn in Bordeaux. A German chemicals giant in Kaohsiung. EU-Taiwan industrial ties are deepening fast, and it's mutual: EU states have invested more in Taiwan than the US and Japan combined. EETO head Lutz Güllner explains what Chips Act 2.0 changes, where Taiwan fits into Europe's industrial strategy beyond chips, and how Taiwan's civil society is countering foreign information manipulation.Episode highlights:07:23 How EU-Taiwan relations reached their most active point yet09:09 The EU Council's landmark Taiwan statement17:01 The Industrial Accelerator Act and the EU Chips Act 2.024:15 FIMI: naming foreign information manipulation and interference32:44 Why understanding Taiwanese politics matters for a diplomatHost: Kwangyin Liu, Deputy Managing Editor, CommonWealth MagazineGuest: Lutz Güllner, Head of the European Economic and Trade Office in TaipeiProducers: Yayuan Chang, Weiru Wang＊Read more：https://english.cw.com.tw＊Share your thoughts：bill@cw.com.tw Powered by Firstory Hosting
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  Canada's Envoy on Taiwan: When the World Fractures, Middle Powers Lean In【Taiwanology Ep. 61】 23.06.2026 35m

  Canada's top trade envoy in Taipei, Marie-Louise Hannan, reflects on four decades of Canada-Taiwan ties, growing LNG and offshore wind cooperation, and why Prime Minister Mark Carney's case for middle-power democracies resonates with Taiwan's own search for agency in a fractured world.Episode highlights:00:00 Launching a new diplomat interview series02:44 Arriving in China in 1989, before the Tiananmen incident09:31 Dr. Mackay and the roots of Canada-Taiwan ties12:26 Taiwan as a top Indo-Pacific trade partner15:05 Energy dependence and the case for Canadian LNG20:37 Inside Canada's first ever Indo-Pacific Strategy26:59 Carney's Davos speech and middle-power democracies31:00 Life in Taipei: food, family, and safetyHost: Kwangyin Liu, Deputy Managing Editor, CommonWealth MagazineGuest: Marie-Louise Hannan, Executive Director of Canadian Trade Office in Taipei Producers: Yayuan Chang, Weiru Wang＊Read more：https://english.cw.com.tw＊Share your thoughts：bill@cw.com.tw Powered by Firstory Hosting
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  Are We in an AI Bubble? AMD’s Lisa Su speaks out in Taiwan 【Taiwanology Ep.60】 26.05.2026 43m

  Is the AI boom a bubble? AMD Chair and CEO Lisa Su joins Commonwealth Magazine to share why the AI revolution is just getting started, and why Taiwan remains the center of this universe. Find out why she believes open ecosystems and "AI everywhere" are reshaping our future. Episode highlights:01:45 What's behind AMD's $10B investment in Taiwan and 2nm partnership with TSMC? 06:12 Why is Taiwan the only place that can pull off this level of tech manufacturing? 11:00 "Coopetition": How can supply chain rivals stay friendly with each other? 13:00 Who actually makes money in AI? 22:00 What is "Physical AI" and why is it the next technological wave? 27:00 Open vs. Closed: Which tech ecosystem will grow the fastest? 32:00 – Are we in an AI bubble? Host: Yishan Chen, Editor-in-Chief of CommonWealth MagazineGuest: Lisa Su, CEO of AMD Producers: Yayuan Chang, Weiru Wang＊Read more：https://english.cw.com.tw/article/article.action?id=4791＊Share your thoughts：bill@cw.com.tw Powered by Firstory Hosting
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  Is Taiwan’s bike industry losing its luster? 【Taiwanology Ep.59】 28.04.2026 37m

  For decades, Taiwan has been known as the “Bicycle Kingdom.” But it is now under mounting pressure. From the rapid rise of China’s e-bike giants to a growing push in Europe to reshore manufacturing, Taiwan’s bike industry is entering a period of change. How can it navigate this new landscape?Episode highlights:04:20 How Taiwan became the “Bicycle Kingdom”07:20 Why China is not the only challenge facing Taiwan’s bike industry12:30 Bridging traditional manufacturing with ICT capabilities21:35 How Taiwan should respond to Europe’s reshoring push25:10 Why more Taiwanese companies are becoming open to change27:05 Adapting to the emerging e-bike ecosystem33:20 Why Anchor Global is launching an Industry Lab with Walmart as the pilot caseHost: Kwangyin Liu, Deputy Managing Editor of CommonWealth MagazineGuest: Elisa Chiu, founder of Anchor GlobalProducers: Yayuan Chang, Weiru Wang＊Read more：https://english.cw.com.tw/article/article.action?id=4684＊Share your thoughts：bill@cw.com.tw Powered by Firstory Hosting
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  Why Audrey Tang Has No Fear for AI Agents and the OpenClaw【Taiwanology Ep.58】 23.03.2026 31m

  Is artificial intelligence a threat to human agency, or an opportunity for civic innovation? 2025 Right Livelihood Laureate and Taiwan Cyber Ambassador Audrey Tang discusses the shift from algorithms to symbiotic "local Kami" AI. Find out why she has no fear for AI agents and OpenClaw. It’s a masterclass in staying human in a world of synthetic intimacy, with one life hack that will help you sleep better.[05:46] How Audrey "translated" the Taiwan model to be adopted in California[09:40] How her book inspired Anno to run for Tokyo Governor[12:05] What do "Civic AI" and "6 Pack of Care" have to do with AI anxiety?[14:20] How Civic AI principles played out in Taiwan's combat on fraud[20:50] Why conflict is not a bug but a power source[24:15] When AI agents do all the jobs, what's left for humans?Host: Kwangyin Liu, Deputy Managing Editor of CommonWealth MagazineGuest: Audrey Tang, Taiwan Cyber AmbassadorProducers: Yayuan Chang, Weiru Wang ＊Read more on Audrey’s take on AI: https://civic.ai/＊Read more on Audrey’s take on AI: https://civic.ai/openclaw/＊Read more: https://english.cw.com.tw＊Share your thoughts：bill@cw.com.tw Powered by Firstory Hosting
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  Watching the Dragon: How Taiwan Decodes China’s Internal Fragility 【Taiwanology Ep.57】 02.03.2026 36m

  As China becomes increasingly opaque, how can Taiwan maintain a clear-eyed perspective? We are joined by Professor Tao to dissect the China Monitoring Report by Thinking Taiwan Foundation. They move past the headlines to analyze 50 indicators across economy, finance, and society, revealing a dual-speed reality and rising systemic social unrest. [03:00] Thinking Taiwan 2.0: Former President Tsai Ing-wen’s platform for policy analysis [05:53] The 50-Indicator Framework [16:16] Dual-Speed Economy: Record exports vs. trapped savings [20:30] How China’s low consumption triggers global de-industrialization [22:05] Record-low birth rates and the rise of "systemic unfairness" grievances [30:50] Why Xi prioritizes military/tech over social welfare stimulus Host: Kwangyin Liu, Deputy Managing Editor of CommonWealth Magazine Guest: Yifen Tao, Associate Professor of National Taiwan University Producers: Yayuan Chang, Weiru Wang ＊Read more: https://english.cw.com.tw ＊Share your thoughts：bill@cw.com.tw Powered by Firstory Hosting
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  U.S. Skepticism in Taiwan: From Shared Values to Protection Fees【Taiwanology Ep.56】 27.01.2026 41m

  Is Taiwan’s biggest ally still reliable? For years, the U.S. and Taiwan were "best friends" because of democracy. But now, the conversation has changed to "protection fees" and business deals. This shift is creating a wave of U.S. skepticism across the island. We look at why people in Taiwan feel anxious and what happens to Taiwan’s security when friendship becomes a transaction. [00:34] Why Taiwan’s mood is a global warning sign. [01:43] The "might makes right" dynamic at Davos. [07:33] The shift from "shared values" to "protection fees." [11:43] Understanding the gap between anxiety and trust. [18:24] Is moving chip capacity to the U.S. a dangerous move? [34:47] The U.S. warning: Pay more to be "worth defending." Host: Kwangyin Liu, Senior Managing Editor of CommonWealth Magazine Guest: William Yang, Senior Analyst of the International Crisis Group Producers: Yayuan Chang, Weiru Wang ＊Read more: https://english.cw.com.tw/article/article.action ＊Share your thoughts：bill@cw.com.tw Powered by Firstory Hosting
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  Will Europe Choose Taiwan as Trust in China Fades? 【Taiwanology Ep.55】 23.12.2025 35m

  There is historic shift in Europe-Taiwan ties. From Ukraine war to the "Trump factor," we examine why Brussels is looking past old constraints of its One China policy. A new paper asks if Taiwan can turn symbolic support into economic substance Europe now needs for resilience. 01:50 - The explosion in Taiwan-EU interactions 04:00 - How global instability sobered up EU policy toward Taiwan 17:20 - Mapping 30 nations' attitudes 23:30 - Why EU leaders are vocal about Taiwan 28:10 - The shift from symbolism to economic security 34:10 - Why Taiwan must move from a subject of debate to an active partner Host: Kwangyin Liu, Senior Managing Editor of CommonWealth Magazine Guests: Zsuzsa Anna Ferenczy, Visiting Fellow at the Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies Matej Šimalčík, Executive Director of Central European Institute of Asian Studies Producers: Yayuan Chang, Weiru Wang ＊Read more: https://english.cw.com.tw/article/article.action?id=4394 ＊Share your thoughts：bill@cw.com.tw Powered by Firstory Hosting
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  Taiwan’s Growing Climate Voice at Brazil’s COP30【Taiwanology Ep.54】 02.12.2025 29m

  COP30 wrapped in Belém after two weeks, and the final deal landed with a weak punch. No fossil-fuel phaseout, no major breakthrough. So what does this outcome mean? And with Taiwan hosting an unprecedented pavilion in the Green Zone, what role is Taiwan carving out in global climate politics? In this episode, I speak with climate scientist Rachel Cleetus and NGO worker Jack Huang to break it down. 3:08 — Is clean energy development on track for 1.5°C? 8:10 — Why doesn’t Taiwan have a country pavilion? 11:38 — How did Taiwan secure a presence in the Green Zone? 15:10 — Why should Taiwan care about COP at all? 22:15 — Why the climate crisis isn’t a zero-sum game Host: Kwangyin Liu, Senior Managing Editor of CommonWealth Magazine Guest: Rachel Cleetus, Union of Concerned Scientists and Jack Huang, Project Coordinator of United Nations OICT Producers: Yayuan Chang, Weiru Wang ＊Read our COP30 coverage： https://english.cw.com.tw/article/article.action?id=4446 ＊Share your thoughts：bill@cw.com.tw Powered by Firstory Hosting
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  Forced Labor? What Taiwan’s Exporters Must Do Next【Taiwanology Ep.53】 28.10.2025 24m

  In September, U.S. Customs hit Taiwan's Giant with a Withhold Release Order—the first ever against a Taiwanese company—blocking its bikes from entering the U.S. over alleged forced labor. The move puts over US$1 billion in exports at risk and exposes gaps between Taiwan’s labor laws and global standards. What must Taiwan do to rebuild trust in its supply chains? 3:30 – Why is the broker system a high-risk factor for forced labor? 6:28 – What steps can Giant take to resume U.S. exports? 10:55 – Why is there a gap between Taiwan’s labor laws and global standards? 12:50 – What actions should Taiwanese companies take to improve? 20:50 – Story of an employer who covers recruitment fees for her worker. Host: Kwangyin Liu, Senior Managing Editor of CommonWealth Magazine Guest: CC Wu, trade compliance consultant of PwC Taiwan Producers: Yayuan Chang, Weiru Wang ＊Read about Taiwan's migrant workers：https://english.cw.com.tw/article/article.action?id=3597 ＊Share your thoughts：bill@cw.com.tw Powered by Firstory Hosting
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  【Taiwanology Ep.52】Seeking Peace in Taiwan: An Israeli and a Palestinian in Dialogue 23.09.2025 42m

  As the world marks two years since the October 7 conflict, peace feels more distant than ever. Israeli peace educator Roi Silberberg and Palestinian scholar Hazem Almassry share deeply personal stories—from childhood in Gaza to life in a shared Jewish-Arab village. They reflect on Gaza’s devastation, Israel’s militarized “normal,” and Taiwan’s own security, arguing that peace begins not with agreements, but with dialogue. 03:00 — Hazem’s childhood in Gaza and path to Taiwan 09:50 — Roi’s journey into peace education 20:15 — Family under siege: Hazem's life and loss in Gaza 30:56 — The fellows' Kinmen visit and Taiwan’s “front line” identity 35:00 — The power in the choice of word "genocide" Host: Kwangyin Liu, Senior Managing Editor of CommonWealth Magazine Guests: Hazem Almassry, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Academia Sinica Roi Silberberg, Director of School for Peace     Producers: Yayuan Chang, Weiru Wang ＊Read about Taiwan： https://english.cw.com.tw  ＊Share your thoughts：bill@cw.com.tw Powered by Firstory Hosting
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  【Taiwanology Ep.51】Why is Nuclear Power Back on Taiwan’s Agenda? 27.08.2025 32m

  Taiwan is at an energy crossroads. After decades of debate, a recent referendum revealed that over 70% favor restarting its last nuclear power plant. What does this shift mean for Taiwan’s energy security? We sit down with Danny Chang, former chairman of Star Buck Power Corp, to unpack Taiwan’s nuclear dilemma and why the island is rethinking its position on nuclear power. 0:00 – How Taiwan’s latest referendum sparks debate on nuclear power 6:00 – Why Taiwan’s anti-nuclear stance is rooted in history 10:30 – Shifting opinions: costs, climate change, and rising power demand 17:04 – Japan and the U.S. show how nuclear comebacks happen 24:27 – Can renewables meet Taiwan’s ambitious energy goals? Host: Kwangyin Liu, Senior Managing Editor of CommonWealth Magazine Guest: Kuor hsin Chang, former Chairman of Star Buck Power     Producers: Yayuan Chang, Weiru Wang ＊Tracking Taiwan's nuclear debates：https://english.cw.com.tw/article/article.action?id=4287  ＊Share your thoughts：bill@cw.com.tw Powered by Firstory Hosting
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  【Taiwanology Ep.50】What Taiwan’s Largest Drills Reveal About Its Defense Strategy 22.07.2025 29m

  Taiwan’s largest military exercise, the Han Kuang drills, now includes a supermarket chain helping with evacuation plans. With China’s military pressure near-constant, Taiwan is expanding its defense strategy to include asymmetric warfare, civil defense, and psychological readiness. Silva Shih, CommonWealth Magazine's defense reporter, joins us to explain how Taiwan is preparing—and what could still be missing. - 3:10 Why does Taiwan’s defense conversation feel more urgent this year? - 8:08 The major trends observed through a PLA activities dashboard - 14:20 What's new with this year's Han Kuang military drills? - 19:45 Taiwan’s largest supermarket chain joined the drills. What does that tell us? - 22:16 How worried should Taiwan be about a blockade or gray-zone harassments? Host: Kwangyin Liu, Senior Managing Editor of CommonWealth Magazine Guest: Silva Shih, Senior Managing Editor of CommonWealth Magazine   Producers: Yayuan Chang, Weiru Wang ＊Check out CommonWealth's PLA activities dashboard: https://www.cw.com.tw/graphics/pla-activities-around-taiwan-en/  ＊Share your thoughts：bill@cw.com.tw Powered by Firstory Hosting
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  【Taiwanology Ep.49】How Taiwan's Mass Recall Movement Is Reshaping Politics 24.06.2025 37m

  In 2025, Taiwan is witnessing an unprecedented wave of citizen-led recall campaigns targeting lawmakers—mostly from the opposition Kuomintang. Branded the “mass recall” movement, it raises a question: is this a genuine expression of civic outrage, or a politically driven power play? To unpack the roots and implications of this political upheaval, we speak with Nathan Batto, political scientist and author of the Frozen Garlic blog. - 8:10 How does the Sunflower Movement connect to today’s recall wave? - 12:02 What sparked this massive recall push? Perspectives from both sides - 18:45 Is the movement truly grassroots—or party-driven? - 21:50 Why hasn’t the KMT been able to mobilize as effectively? - 30:55 Is mass recall Taiwan’s only option for breaking political deadlock? - 34:01 How might the results affect Taiwan’s geopolitical position? Host: Kwangyin Liu, Senior Managing Editor of CommonWealth Magazine Guest: Nathan Batto, Associate Research Fellow at Academia Sinica,   Producers: Yayuan Chang, Weiru Wang ＊Read CommonWealth's explainer on the mass recall and its implications：https://english.cw.com.tw  ＊Share your thoughts：bill@cw.com.tw 留言告訴我你對這一集的想法： https://open.firstory.me/user/cledx9shs004801v3cmkogc7e/comments Powered by Firstory Hosting
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  【Taiwanology Ep.48】Molecules of Resilience: Can Taiwan Power a Hydrogen Economy? 27.05.2025 28m

  As global powers pour billions into the hydrogen economy, Taiwan is just getting started. In this episode, we ask: Is Taiwan ready for the hydrogen economy? Could hydrogen be Taiwan’s next move for energy security and net-zero goals? We explore what it will take for Taiwan to catch up, from industrial policy to infrastructure. - 03:30 From flour to fuel: How Linde LienHwa evolved into a hydrogen leader - 07:40 Why hydrogen? What makes it a game-changer in energy - 10:02 Hydrogen on the move: Its role in decarbonizing transportation - 16:00 Taiwan’s challenge: Building up hydrogen infrastructure - 22:00 Rethinking energy: What must change in Taiwan’s infrastructure to go net-zero Host: Kwangyin Liu, Senior Managing Editor of CommonWealth Magazine Guests: Christine Miao, Vice President of Corp. Communications & Head of Hydrogen Mobility, Linde LienHwa & Toby Collins, Managing Director of Lien Hwa New Energy  Producers: Yayuan Chang, Weiru Wang ＊Learn what’s holding back Taiwan’s renewable energy ambitions — and what it will take to overcome. https://english.cw.com.tw/article/article.action?id=3689  ＊Share your thoughts: bill@cw.com.tw Powered by Firstory Hosting
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  【Taiwanology Ep.47】Can America Reindustrialize? Lessons from Taiwan’s Manufacturing Playbook 29.04.2025 34m

  With Trump's return, the push for tariffs, reshoring, and a "great manufacturing renaissance" is gaining momentum. But what does reindustrialization actually look like—and where does Taiwan fit into this vision? Our guest, Jack Hou, COO of Universal Cement, shares insights from both sides of the Pacific, including how he helped turn around his family business and what it would take to rebuild manufacturing in the U.S. - The mood in Boston and New York about a second Trump term [05:40] - Can high tariffs bring manufacturing back to the U.S.? [13:14] - A case study from Taiwan: How Universal Cement engineered a turnaround [18:17] - What it takes to spark a manufacturing renaissance in America [23:17] - The opportunities for Taiwan to play a role in America's reindustrialization [28:00] Host: Kwangyin Liu, Senior Managing Editor of CommonWealth Magazine Guest: Jack Hou, COO, Universal Cement Corporation Producers: Yayuan Chang, Weiru Wang ＊Read more about Taiwan's manufacturers are rethinking their strategies going forward: https://english.cw.com.tw/article/article.action?id=4068 ＊Share your thoughts: bill@cw.com.tw Powered by Firstory Hosting