Amid the intensifying rivalry between China and the U.S., many Taiwanese have turned to podcaster Mindy Huang as a trusted voice to guide them through complex global events.
Huang, 36, engages with more than 80,000 listeners each week on Mindi World News, a two-hour forum where geopolitics and her island’s complicated relationship with China get discussed.
She says that engagement has given her some insight into the mindset of her audience.
“I think most Taiwanese, we see ourselves as Taiwanese. We see ourselves as an independent country different from China,” she told CBC News in Taipei.
“But ... I think people below 18 — the youth — are willing to get closer to China.”
China views Taiwan as a breakaway province and has vowed to reclaim the democratically-governed island by force if necessary.
Yet Huang and others say that pro-China messaging on social media is resonating with Taiwan's youth more than the potential threat China poses.
Mindy Huang, 36, hosts a popular Taiwan podcast on global politics called Mindi World News. (Angela Johnston/CBC)
Internal divisions
Most countries in the world, including Canada, recognize the People's Republic of China (PRC) and adhere to a “One China” policy but Canada has never acknowledged
Continue Reading on CBC News
This preview shows approximately 15% of the article. Read the full story on the publisher's website to support quality journalism.