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

The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa Files

EpisodeApr 13, 202327m

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

The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa Files

EpisodeApr 13, 202327m

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.

Top comments

Formosa Files is the world's biggest and highest-rated Taiwan history podcast. We use an engaging storytelling format and are non-chronological, meaning every week is a new adventure - and, you can just find a topic that interests you and check out that episode...skip stuff that isn't your thing. The hosts are John Ross, an author and publisher of works on Taiwan and China, and Eryk Michael Smith, a journalist for local and global media outlets. Both Ross and Smith have lived in Taiwan for over two decades and call the island home. Email: formosafiles@gmail.com

www.formosafiles.com

Switch to the Fountain App

Open in Fountain