Ep 12: Atoms for "Peace" - Taiwan's Secret Nuclear Weapons Program

Strait Talk with Xiangyu

In this episode of STXY, we talk about one of Taiwan's most secretive and controversial chapters—the rise and fall of its nuclear weapons program. From covert uranium enrichment deals with South Africa to advanced warhead designs tested at hidden sites, we trace the decades-long journey of the KMT's nuclear ambitions. Discover how researchers achieved breakthroughs, like plutonium production, and the lengths Taipei went to mask its intentions under civilian cover stories. This episode unpacks the intricate web of espionage, technology, and geopolitics that defined Taiwan’s brush with nuclear weapons—and what it reveals about the delicate balance between security and global alliances. Tune in for a riveting exploration of this high-stakes chapter in history.

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