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

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.