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Perspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloChina's Mega Embassy in London - Power, Influence and National SecurityChina is building its largest embassy in Europe — a vast diplomatic complex beside the Tower of London. But critics warn it could become something far more controversial. In this episode of Perspectives with Neilo, we investigate China’s proposed “mega embassy” at Royal Mint Court, the political decisions that approved it, and why security experts, MPs, human rights groups, and local communities are raising alarms about espionage, surveillance, and transnational repression. We examine how the £255 million site purchase unfolded, how diplomatic status was granted, and why Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s recent approval has reignited legal challenges and public protests. Featuring v...
2026-01-2336 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloThe Anaconda in the Irish ChandelierThere’s a metaphor often used in diplomatic and academic circles to describe China’s influence — the anaconda in the chandelier. Everyone can see it. Everyone knows it’s there. But no one wants to acknowledge it, because naming it would mean having to act. The phrase was coined in 2002 by the American scholar Perry Link, in an essay for The New York Review of Books. One of the world’s foremost experts on Chinese language, literature, and political expression, Link used the metaphor to describe the quiet but pervasive power of the Chinese Communist Party — a system that enforces obedience no...
2025-12-2641 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloDemocracy Unshielded - China's Growing Reach in Irish PoliticsIn this episode of Perspectives with Neilo, we investigate China’s growing political influence in Ireland and the recent meetings between Irish elected officials and members of the Chinese Communist Party. These engagements come at the very moment Ireland’s national cyber-security authority warns of state-aligned threat actors— including those linked to China and Russia—targeting Irish infrastructure, public institutions, and democratic processes. We examine who attended these meetings, why they matter, and how they align with the EU’s newly announced European Democracy Shield, designed to counter foreign interference from authoritarian regimes. In this episode, we dig into China’s growing re...
2025-12-0425 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloThe Transparency Trap - China's Closed-Door Diplomacy and the Uyghur CrisisWhy is China holding private, closed-door meetings with democratic leaders — including in Ireland — despite growing warnings about CCP influence operations? And how does this secrecy connect to Beijing’s global effort to reshape the narrative around the Uyghur crisis? In this episode, Irish anthropologist Dr. David O’Brien joins us to share insights from his time living and researching in Xinjiang in the mid 2000's. We explore how the Chinese Communist Party uses covert diplomacy, narrative manipulation, and state-aligned “human rights” organizations like the China Federation for Human Rights Development (CFHRD) to obscure evidence of human rights abuses against Uyghur Muslims. Dr...
2025-11-2559 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloToo Afraid to Trade ? Ireland's Caution on TaiwanAs Ireland prepares to assume the EU Presidency in 2026, its cautious approach to Taiwan continues to draw attention. Why does Ireland remain an outlier among EU member states in its engagement with Taipei, and how much is that caution driven by concerns about Ireland–China relations? In this episode, we speak with John McGuinness, Leas-Cheann Comhairle, Fianna Fáil TD for Carlow–Kilkenny, and Chairman of the Ireland–Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Association, about his recent visit to Taiwan and meeting with President William Lai. We discuss opportunities for cooperation under Ireland’s National Semiconductor Strategy, potential trade growth in the semicondu...
2025-11-1343 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloRare Earths, Real Pressure - China's Coercive Push on U.S.-Taiwan PolicyThe Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has long pursued a multi-pronged strategy to annex Taiwan — a campaign that has intensified in recent years. From near-daily military incursions into Taiwan’s Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) and territorial waters to provocative blockade exercises around the island, Beijing is steadily increasing pressure. Alongside these military threats, the CCP is waging a parallel campaign of propaganda, disinformation, and grey-zone activities — including infiltration of Taiwan’s government, military, and broader society. Now, in a new twist, reports suggest that China’s leader Xi Jinping may use upcoming trade talks with the United States to pressure President...
2025-10-0721 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloWhy You Should Care About Taiwan - Interview with Bill EmmottOur daily news feeds are dominated by active conflicts—but what about the tensions simmering just below the surface, with global stakes just as high? One of the most strategically significant, yet underreported flashpoints in the world is the Taiwan Strait—a 180km-wide body of international water separating Taiwan from mainland China. It's here that grey zone activity by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is escalating on a near-daily basis. In this episode of Perspectives with Neilo, we explore: The CCP’s claim on Taiwan—and why it’s historically weaker than Britain's claim on Ireland Taiwan’s democratic identity and i...
2025-08-2629 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloEU-China Trade Tensions - Interview with Finbarr BerminghamThe European Union’s trade deficit with China has doubled over the past decade, fuelling growing frustration in Brussels over what officials describe as a flood of low-cost Chinese products into the EU. Beijing’s continued support for Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine is also a major sticking point. The EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas called China the “key enabler” of Putin’s war and urged Beijing to halt its support to Russia’s military-industrial base. In response, China has indicated that it does not want to see Russia lose the war. It was not surprising then that a summit in Beij...
2025-08-1331 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloTaiwan's Hot Summer - Recalls, Tariffs and TensionsIt has been a sweltering few months in Taiwan's political scene with partisanship intensifying in domestic politics, increased cross-strait tensions and unfolding US tariffs. At the end of June, I was fortunate to meet up with two of Taiwan's leading columnists and political analysts from the central city of Taichung. Courtney Donovan Smith is a staff columnist with the Taipei Times whose regular column, Donovan's Deep Dives shares in-depth analysis on everything about Taiwan's political scene and geopolitics. He is also the central Taiwan correspondent for ICRT FM Radio. Michael Turton is also a contributing columnist for the Taipei Times...
2025-08-0439 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloTaiwan's Great Recall - July 26th ResultsOn July 26th, nearly one-third of Taiwan’s electorate were eligible to vote in the first wave of what’s being called The Great Recall (大罷免) — a rarely used mechanism allowing voters to dismiss nationally elected lawmakers midterm. This marks the first time the process has been deployed on such a large scale with 24 lawmakers from the Kuomintang (KMT) or Chinese Nationalist Party on the ballot. The vote result is being closely watched as it has the potential to alter the balance of power in Taiwan’s parliament, which has seen months of political deadlock between the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government and...
2025-07-2712 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloTaiwan's Great Recall - Ep4 - Interview with Wang Hung-wei Recall GroupWelcome to the fourth installment in our series on Taiwan’s Great Recall in which we aim to bring you perspectives from all sides of the debate at this important moment in Taiwan’s democratic journey. In our earlier episodes in this series, we spoke with a political scientist, a pro-recall grass roots organization and a Kuomintang or KMT (中國國民黨) representative. Feel free to go back and listen to those episodes which you can find on our blog at pwneilo.com or by searching for Perspectives with Neilo wherever you get your podcasts - and be sure to hit the Subscribe or Follow butt...
2025-07-2128 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloTaiwan's Great Recall - Ep3 - Interview with Chance Hsu, KMTWelcome to the third installment in our series on Taiwan's Great Recall (大罷免) in which we aim to bring you perspectives from all sides of the debate at this important moment in Taiwan's democratic journey. As the days count down to July 26th, campaigning by both the pro and anti recall groups in Taiwan is gaining momentum. These recall campaigns are a result of a power struggle between different branches of Taiwan’s government - the Legislative Yuan which is controlled by the Chinese Nationalist Party or KMT with their smaller ally the Taiwan People’s Party, and the Executive Yuan which is c...
2025-07-1646 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloTaiwan's Great Recall - Ep2 - Interview with Jinan Church Civic GroupWelcome to the second installment in our series on Taiwan’s Great Recall in which we aim to bring you perspectives from all sides of the debate at this important moment in Taiwan’s democratic journey. As we explained in our first episode, since the last election in January of 2024, Taiwan’s parliament or Legislative Yuan has been controlled by the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) and their smaller ally the Taiwan People’s Party who according to opponents have sought to block the ruling party’s agenda, freeze or cut budgets, undermine Taiwan's constitutional order and weaken efforts to bolster defense ca...
2025-07-0836 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloTaiwan's Great Recall - Ep1 - Interview with Prof Chen Fang-YuIn this episode we kick off the first part in a series of podcasts on Taiwan’s Great Recall in which we aim to bring you perspectives from all sides of the debate at this important crossroads in Taiwan’s democratic journey. As we explained in our previous episode on President Lai’s first year in office, while his party, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) won the presidential vote in January of 2024, they failed to maintain a majority in the Legislative Yuan or parliament. As a result, the parliament has been controlled by the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) and their smalle...
2025-06-3044 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloSovereignty and Stalemate - President Lai's First YearThese are challenging times for many world leaders, and no less so for the democratically elected leader of Taiwan, Lai Ching-te (賴清德). Lai Ching-te or William Lai was inaugurated as the President of Taiwan on May 20th, 2024. He succeeded Tsai Ing-wen and his election to the presidential office marks the first time for his party, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)(民主進步黨) to hold this office for three consecutive terms. While the DPP won the presidential vote, they failed to maintain a majority in the Legislative Yuan or parliament. As a result, the parliament has been controlled by the Chinese Nationalist Party (中國國民黨) or Kuomintang (KMT) and their...
2025-06-2048 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloResist Transnational Repression, Defy TotalitarianismOn June 4th 1989, student-led demonstrations which had been brewing across China for a few months were violently crushed by the Chinese Communist Party who declared martial law and sent their troops onto the streets of Beijing to end the protests Estimates of the death toll vary from several hundred to several thousand, with thousands more wounded. While the massacre has been downplayed and deleted from public record in China, it has been commemorated outside of China in the intervening years. Prior to 2020 the biggest Tiananmen Commemorations used to take place in Victoria Park in Hong Kong. However, after the introduction...
2025-06-1527 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloTrump Taiwan and the Ukraine PivotSince the start of President Trump’s second term—and especially following the unprecedented Oval Office confrontation last February between Trump, J.D. Vance, and Ukrainian President Zelensky—Washington’s policy on Ukraine has undergone a dramatic shift. While this realignment has alarmed many of America’s traditional European allies, the ripple effects have been felt far beyond Europe, including in Taiwan. Despite the absence of a formal treaty, U.S. support has long been a cornerstone of Taiwan’s security strategy in deterring invasion by China who claim Taiwan as part of its sovereign territory despite having never controlled or occupied...
2025-06-0436 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloComputex 2025 - AI NextComputex 2025 took place during the week of May 20th in the vibrant tech hub of Taipei, Taiwan. Widely regarded as one of the world’s premier computer and technology expos, Computex continues to set the stage for what’s next in the industry. This year’s theme, “AI Next,” highlighted the growing reach of artificial intelligence—from the cloud, to the edge, and into everyday devices and applications. There was particular focus on AI & Robotics, Next-Gen Tech and Future Mobility. Areas like Gaming, Drones, Datacenter Technology and Business Solutions also featured strongly. With over 1,400 exhibitors from 34 countries, the event featured the biggest...
2025-05-261h 13Perspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloFriends of SteelMay 9th marked the 80th anniversary celebrations of the Allied victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. Russia also celebrated their version of Victory Day - an event steeped in national pride and symbolism - with a military parade in Red Square in front of an audience which included 29 visiting world leaders. As U.S. President Donald Trump seeks a deal to end Russia's war in Ukraine, the U.S. and Europe were watching closely to see if President Putin would offer a different message this year after resisting White House efforts to secure a ceasefire so far. In...
2025-05-1422 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloA Strait Blockade is not Stable TradeAs the global economy continues to grapple with the roller coaster uncertainties of President Donald Trump's tariff war, trade relations between the world's two largest economies - the United States and China - have reached a breaking point. A series of tit-for-tat tariff escalations has pushed their economic ties to the brink, with ripple effects being felt far beyond their borders. While many smaller nations scramble to shield themselves from the fallout of this high-stakes trade conflict, China is positioning itself as a stabilizing force - seeking to capitalize on global dissatisfaction with U.S. trade policy and promote its...
2025-04-2220 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloThe FIMI Iceberg - Decoding Foreign Interference ThreatsAccording to data gathered by the European External Action Service (EEAS), last year over eighty countries and over two hundred organizations were targets of attacks from Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference - or FIMI. These attacks targeted everything from major international events like the Paris Olympics, to national elections, regional conflicts and local protests. The main instigators of these influence operations were China and Russia and they use FIMI to manipulate public opinion, fuel polarization and interfere with democratic processes within the EU and worldwide. They employ a multi-layered strategy using both state and non-state actors to exert long term...
2025-04-0556 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloScaring the Monkey - Decoding China's Response to TrumpRecently, international headlines have been dominated by US President Donald Trump's trade tariffs and his challenge to the rules-based international order. Trump has made bold threats, including seeking control of Greenland, the Panama Canal, and Gaza, while aligning with Russia and withdrawing support for Ukraine. His escalating tariff policies are raising doubts about long-standing alliances and the future of the global trading system, leaving many allies—including the EU—unsure of what comes next. Meanwhile, China's position in the global economy remains crucial. As the world's second-largest economy, how does China view these recent developments? In this episode, we speak with...
2025-03-1338 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloExile in Ireland - Uyghurs Speak Out Against Transnational RepressionIn mid-February, the communities of Uyghurs and Hong Kongers living in Ireland wrote an open letter to the Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris highlighting concerns for their safety and drawing urgent attention to the pattern of Chinese state surveillance and harassment of members of their diaspora communities. The letter was written in advance of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to Ireland and requested the Irish Government to adopt a human-rights-based approach in their discussions with Chinese officials, as well as demanding concrete actions with respect to acts of transnational repression, genocide and politically motivated imprisonment pe...
2025-03-0540 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloWolf Warrior Visits - Unpacking China's Interest in IrelandOn February 16th and 17th, China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi visited Ireland. Mr Wang is the second senior Chinese official to visit Ireland in just over a year, following a visit by Premier Li Qiang in January of 2024. In this episode of Perspectives with Neilo, we dive deep into China’s growing interest in Ireland and how this dynamic intersects with broader EU-China relations. We examine how the rise of protectionist policies under US President Donald Trump coupled with China’s desire to reshape the international rules-based world order creates challenges for Ireland who find themselves navigating a complex geopol...
2025-02-2422 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloMAMU - Interview With Director Aephie ChenIn this episode of Perspectives with Neilo, we are delighted to share our recent interview with film director Aephie Chen, the brilliant mind behind the stunning film MAMU. Known for its exploration of culture, language and identity, MAMU is a deeply personal story that navigates the complexities of father-daughter relationships, the bond between people and their homelands, and the intimate challenges of caring for a loved one who is slipping away from this world. The film unfolds through the lens of a nurse caring for her ailing father in London where language no longer serves as a bridge. Instead, it...
2025-02-1220 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloTaiwan, Ireland and Wolf Warrior Interference - Interview with Senator Gerry HorkanIn this episode of Perspectives with Neilo, we dive deep into the heart of international diplomacy and the challenges faced by democracies on the frontlines. Senator Gerry Horkan (Ireland) shares his firsthand experience and insights from his July 2024 visit to Taiwan, a democratic beacon in the Asia-Pacific region. Horkan reflects on the warm reception he received in Taiwan, as well as the reported backlash from China's Wolf Warrior diplomacy. The Chinese Ambassador to Ireland’s harsh criticisms of Horkan and his colleagues’ visit highlight the geopolitical tensions surrounding Taiwan’s sovereignty and its ongoing struggle for global recognition. As an advoca...
2025-02-0521 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloHappy Lunar New YearIn this episode we explore the traditions and customs of the Lunar New Year (also known as the Spring Festival 春節), a captivating festival rooted in ancient lunar cycles and celebrated across multiple East Asian countries. Listen in as we talk to some friends on the Taiwan stand at the Holiday World Show held recently at the RDS, Dublin about the Year of the Snake, 2025. We hear about everything from parades and fireworks, to favorite foods and the exchange of lucky red envelopes (紅包) and how communities in Taiwan and beyond ring in the Lunar New Year! Outro Music Credit: Lunar Celebration by DJART...
2025-01-2918 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloChina Travel - Red Flags And Exit BansWith the promise of a new year comes the anticipation of new horizons, and for many, this is the time to plan travel for the year ahead. In 2024, the Chinese Government unilaterally extended visa-free entry to citizens of 38 countries and has broadened a policy of offering visa-free entry for transit travelers who plan visits of 10 days or less. That currently applies to 54 nations. In a number of past episodes we've talked with experts about how China differs from Western liberal democracies (see below) and in this episode of Perspectives with Neilo we take a closer look at what you should...
2025-01-1420 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with Neilo2024 PwNeilo Wrapped!In this 2024 Perspectives with Neilo Wrapped!, we rewind and revisit four episodes from earlier in the year, exploring a recurring theme that connects them. In our first podcast back in January, we chatted with acclaimed journalist on contemporary China, Bethany Allen. We talked to her about her book "Beijing Rules" in which she discusses China's Authoritarian Economic Statecraft. In this revisit, we hear how the Chinese Communist Party has highly politicized the area of sister city twinning and the role of Confucius Institutes. The topic of Confucius Institutes also came up in our second interview with Alexander Dukalskis, Associate Professor...
2024-12-2339 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloCable Sabotage In The BalticTwo subsea cables, one linking Finland and Germany and the other connecting Sweden and Lithuania were damaged in less than 24 hours on November 17th and 18th prompting German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius to say - he assumed it was sabotage. The suspected culprit is a Chinese registered bulk carrier - the Yi Peng 3 - which was traveling through the area after departing the Russian port of Ust Luga west of St Petersburg on November 15th. Reuters news agency have quoted Western Intelligence officials from multiple countries as saying that they are confident the Chinese ship caused the cuts to both...
2024-12-1139 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with Neilo2024 Data Centres Ireland ReportData Centres contribute significantly to Ireland's GDP. The Irish data centre market amounted to over 3 Billion Euros of investment in 2023 with key opportunities to capitalize on future growth being driven by the AI revolution. However, its a competitive industry and while Ireland may have once been the EU pioneer of data centres, planning hurdles and electricity supply issues are forcing global technology companies to reconsider Ireland's role as a data centre hub. In this episode, we report from the Data Centres Ireland Conference which took place at the RDS in Dublin in mid November. This was the 14th year of...
2024-12-0539 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloElection 2024 - The Other Important IssuesIreland's General Election will take place on Friday November 29th, 2024. Overall, 685 candidates are running across 43 constituencies for 174 seats in the next Dail or Parliament. Much of the focus and discussion so far has been on what the mainstream media have dubbed 'Auction Politics' as politicians and their parties try to better each other with promises of various benefits if elected. Examples include, free university fees, child care benefits, dropping the USC charge, reducing the VAT rate on hospitality and so on. While many of these areas are genuinely important, the relentless competition for votes between the different party candidates means...
2024-11-2718 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloShining A Light On China's Gray ZoneEarlier in August, we reported on China's Maritime Aggression against the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea and also on how China's aggression was uniting nations in the region. In the intervening months, this aggression has increased in frequency and severity and expanded further afield to include Vietnam and Japan. In late October, I had the pleasure of meeting Ray Powell (@GordianKnotRay) who is the Director of SeaLight, a project of the Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation at Stanford University in California. We spoke about the background to the current tensions, the origins and validity of China's so-called...
2024-11-2031 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloTaiwan In NorCalEarlier in May and June of this year, we reported from Taipei on the massive street protests which became known as the Bluebird Movement. These protests were the largest Taiwan had seen in the decade since the 2014 Sunflower Movement. The protests voiced the public’s concern with new amendments to the Law governing the Legislative Yuan or parliament's power and in particular, new investigative powers including the power to subject public officials to fines or jail time if they refused to attend hearings or provide information when asked to do so by Legislators. The Democratic Progressive party or DPP subsequently to...
2024-11-1535 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloHydrogen Powered Data CentersIn today's digital age, data centers have become the backbone of our interconnected world. From streaming our favorite shows to conducting complex financial transactions, these high-powered facilities are the engines driving our digital revolution. But as our reliance on technology grows, so does the energy consumption of these data centers. This increasing energy consumption is driving data center operators and tech entrepreneurs to explore new ways to power these energy-hungry facilities more efficiently and sustainably. In this episode, we talk to Yuval Bachar, Founder and CEO of Edge CLoud Link. Yuval and his team are pioneering the development of off-grid...
2024-11-0638 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with Neilo2024 OCP Global Summit ReportIt's an exciting time for data centers not only because of the new technology developments in AI and ML, but also because of the parallel advancements in sustainability in the drive to net zero emissions. In this episode, we report from this year's Open Compute Global Summit in San Jose, California. The Open Compute Project (OCP) was initiated in 2011 and its mission is to apply the benefits of open source and open collaboration to data center technology and to support the growing demands on compute infrastructure. This year's summit contained many interesting topics and announcements including the Open Systems for...
2024-10-3023 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloChina 101 - Interview with Dr Niall Duggan UCCRegular listeners to Perspectives with Neilo will be aware that China and the behavior of its government, the Chinese Communist Party or CCP, have been the subject of many of our past episodes, from their aggression against Taiwan and its neighbors in the South China Sea, to their questionable trade practices and the many dubious tactics they employ in their quest for global influence. In this episode, we dig a little deeper into the background and hear the perspectives of Dr. Niall Duggan, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Government and Politics at University College Cork. We discuss the...
2024-09-1246 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloInvisible Nation - Interview with Vanessa HopeIn this episode, we talk with award-winning filmmaker Vanessa Hope who shines an urgent spotlight on Taiwan as it fights for autonomy and freedom from fear in the gripping new documentary, Invisible Nation. It tells the story of how Taiwan’s first female President, Tsai Ing-wen delicately balanced on the tightrope between the hopes and dreams of her nation and the colossal geopolitical forces of the US and China. The movie interweaves highlights from her time in office with Taiwan’s history and struggle to preserve its hard won democracy. Invisible Nation premiered in Ireland at the 36th Galway Film Flea...
2024-08-2923 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloChina's Aggression Uniting NationsFollowing on from our previous episode, we review some of the key events since late July that appear to be contributing to increased tensions in the South China Sea. These include China's ongoing military exercises in the region as well as joint patrols carried out between the Philippines, its allies and its neighbors. These tensions reached a dangerous peak during an encounter between China's PLAAF fighter jets and a Philippines Air Force patrol plane on August 8th in the skies over Bajo De Masinloc (aka Second Thomas Shoal) during which the PLAAF dropped flares in the path of the Philippines...
2024-08-1918 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloChina's Maritime AggressionThe Chinese state officially known as the People’s Republic of China (PRC) is controlled by the Chinese Communist Party and often likes to portray itself as a peaceful superpower - but there's also a saying that 'self praise is no praise'. In past episodes we’ve covered China’s ongoing aggression against Taiwan which the PRC claims as its territory. In this episode we look beyond Taiwan to China’s other neighbors, particularly the Philippines. We talk to Dr Charmaine Willoughby from De La Salle University in Manila to hear how China is perceived there, and how recent clashes between...
2024-08-0721 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloPerspectives With Neilo Podcast TrailerPerspectives with Neilo podcast brings you news and analysis on politics, sport, culture and technology from an Irish perspective. #Podcast, #Defenddemocracy, #Taiwan, #Ireland Music from TELL YOUR STORY music by ikson™ Voices: ElevenLabs.io, Neilo
2024-07-3103 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloThe Shepherd of DongshihIn this episode of Perspectives with Neilo, I chat with Fr. Sean O'Leary who is originally from Togher in Cork City but has been a missionary priest in Taiwan for the past 19 years. I visited him in his parish of Dongshih (東勢) near the city of Taichung and spoke to him about living in Taiwan, the similarities with Ireland, Taiwanese identity, the church in China and why he spoke out about Taoiseach Leo Varadkar's statement on Taiwan during the Chinese Premier's visit to Ireland back in January (2024). #Taiwan, #Taichung, #CatholicChurch, #China, #ChurchinChina, #LeoVaradkar, #Ireland, #TaiwanisTaiwan, #DefendDemocracy
2024-07-2430 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloHualien Earthquake AftermathTaiwan, also known as the Republic of China, is situated in the West Pacific between Japan and the Philippines. It's a country about half the size of Ireland, but with a population of over 23 million. Taiwan has a history of strong earthquakes as the island is located within a complex zone of convergence between the Philippine Sea Plate and the Eurasian Plate. On April 3rd, 2024, a 7.2 (ML) magnitude quake struck close to Taiwan’s east coast city of Hualien. In this episode of Perspectives with Neilo, we traveled to Hualien to revisit the impact of the earthquake and talk to Hu...
2024-07-1628 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloSubsidy Showdown - EU Tarrifs on Chinese EVsEarlier in June, following months of investigation, the European Commission announced new tariffs on Chinese Electric Vehicles in response to massive state subsidies in the forms of research and development grants, sales tax exemptions and supply chain support being provided to Chinese EV makers by Beijing. Although countries such as the US and Turkey have already introduced tariffs on Chinese EVs, support among EU states for this move has been divided. The EU's provisional duties (which have been revised slightly since out interview) are set to apply by July 4th, 2024, with the investigation set to continue until November 2nd when...
2024-07-0230 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloThe Double Veto - Interview with Professor Chen Fang-YuPreviously in May, we reported on the large pro-democracy street protests in Taipei, Taiwan in opposition to new legislative reform bills being hastily pushed through the Legislative Yuan or parliament by the China-friendly Kuomintang Party or KMT and their smaller ally the Taiwan People’s Party or TPP. The KMT-TPP combined majority was enough to carry the bills through parliament in May and onto the next step of review by the Executive Yuan or Cabinet. On the week of June 17th, the Executive Yuan vetoed the legislation sending it back to the Legislature for reconsideration. As a result, the public pr...
2024-06-2318 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloComputex 2024 - AI Everywhere!Computex Taipei is often where new semiconductor chips and hardware devices are revealed to the world. This year was no exception, with keynotes from tech industry Titans like NVIDIA, Intel, ARM and Qualcomm and product announcements from Original Equipment Manufacturers (or OEMs ) like ASUS, Quanta, Inventec and many more. In all, there were over 4500 booths showcasing the latest breakthroughs and innovation from the fields of Artificial Intelligence, Advanced Communications and EV Technology, Manufacturing and Robotics, Gaming and much more. In this episode we bring you a flavor of this event - we talk to entrepreneurs and innovators developing new tools...
2024-06-1550 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloTiananmen at 35On June 4th 1989, student-led demonstrations which had been brewing across China for a few months were violently crushed in Beijing by the Chinese Communist Party or CCP under the leadership of Deng Xiaoping in what became widely known as the Tiananmen Square massacre. From the outset, the Chinese government downplayed the significance of the event and suppressed any discussion of it inside China. Commemorations however, still take place every year in multiple cities around the world and in this episode, we talk to some of the people who commemorated the 35th Anniversary of Tiananmen Square at a gathering in Liberty...
2024-06-0932 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloTaiwan Stands Up for DemocracyIn this episode we’re once again reporting from Taipei, on the growing protests against congressional reform legislation being pushed through Taiwan’s parliament or Legislative Yuan by the China-friendly KMT or Kuomintang and the smaller Taiwan People’s party or TPP. In the previous episode of this podcast, we reported from the protests on Tuesday May 21st when an estimated 10 to 15 thousand protesters showed up to demonstrate about the disregard for procedural due process and the content of a new package of reform legislation which many feel would challenge the authority of newly elected DPP president, Lai Ching-te. By midnig...
2024-05-2741 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloParliamentary Pandemonium and Public ProtestsAfter Taiwan's election in January, the ruling Democratic Progressive Party or DPP won the presidential vote, but failed to secure a majority in Taiwan’s Legislature or Parliament ending up with 51 seats. The main opposition party - the KMT won 52 seats and the smaller TPP who they have begun to partner with, won 8 seats. In addition there were 2 independent seats which aligned with the KMT - all in all giving the KMT the majority and enabling them to secure the position of Speaker of the house. We discussed the makeup of the new parliament and what it means in our In...
2024-05-2231 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloTaiwan Inauguration Preview - Interview with Brian HioeMay 20th 2024 marks the inauguration of the 16th-term president and vice president of the Republic of China, Taiwan. In the January election, Lai Ching-te (賴清德) also known as William Lai of the Democratic Progressive Party and his vice presidential running mate, Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) won the popular vote. Their appointment to the presidential office means a third consecutive term for the DPP as Lai’s predecessor, Tsai Ing-wen, (蔡英文) Taiwan’s first female president, concludes her two terms in office. This is a delicate time for Taiwan - China relations as Chinese Communist Party leader Xi Jinping has explicitly made taking Taiwan, by force if necessary, pa...
2024-05-1725 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloEU Election 2024 - Interview with Billy KelleherEuropean Parliament elections take place across the EU in early June. These will be the tenth direct parliamentary elections since 1979. About 400 million voters are eligible to vote across 27 EU member states. At stake is the make-up of the next European Parliament, the direct link between Europeans and the EU's institutions and it will shape the direction of the EU over the next 5 years on issues like climate, migration, trade and defense. My guest in this episode is Billy Kelleher of Fianna Fail who is up for re-election as an Ireland South MEP and member of the Renew Group. We discuss...
2024-05-0932 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloIrelands Knowledge Deficit On ChinaIn mid-January, China's Premier Li Qiang paid a two-day state visit to Ireland meeting with President Michael D. Higgins and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, and while Irish officials were keen to emphasize the 45th anniversary of Ireland-China diplomatic relations, little was said publicly about China's human rights abuses and ongoing aggression in the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea. And although Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheal Martin previously echoed support for the EU's decision to de-risk trade with China, the top message from the Irish government would appear to be that the economy takes precedence and that Ireland remains...
2024-02-1334 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloVisit Taiwan !Many of our recent episodes have been about Taiwan and as it's the time of year when many of us think about our travel plans, we decided to visit the Holiday World Show which took place at the RDS in Dublin recently to find out more about traveling to Taiwan. Taiwan is an amazing gateway to Asia, whether you want to take an exciting vacation or spend some time learning Mandarin Chinese. In this episode we speak with Taiwan's Ambassador to Ireland, His Excellency Pierre Yang as well as the Director of the Taiwan Center for Mandarin Learning in Ireland...
2024-01-3120 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloTaiwan Election 2024 - Results台灣選舉2024-結果 On Saturday January 13th, Taiwan went to the polls to vote in their 8th direct presidential election - an election that received unprecedented international attention and has been called the most consequential election in the country’s history. While the presidential election grabbed the spotlight, citizens also voted in the legislature elections. In this Perspectives with Neilo Taiwan 2024 Election Results Special we present a short update on the election outcome, the acceptance speech of the winning presidential candidate as well as international reaction.
2024-01-1525 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloBeijing Rules - Interview with Bethany AllenIn this episode of Perspectives with Neilo, I'm chatting with Bethany Allen, award-winning China reporter for Axios and author of the book Beijing Rules - China's Quest for Global Influence. I met up with Bethany in Taipei last November to talk about some of the many important topics covered in her book including; how the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) exerts control over Chinese companies, as well as the CCP's propaganda reach and online disinformation operations. We also talked about how China ties market access to political acquiescence, her reaction to statements by Irish politicians on China and much more. Date...
2024-01-0953 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloSafeguarding Taiwan's Democracy from China's Disinformation DelugeWith Taiwan's presidential election taking place in early January, the island's future relation with the neighboring People's Republic of China (PRC) occupies pole position on the ballot. The PRC who claim Taiwan as their sovereign territory despite having never occupied or controlled it, have historically launched extensive disinformation campaigns to dissuade voters from supporting the ruling pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). According to a 2022 report by the Digital Society Project, part of the Swedish institute Varieties of Democracy, Taiwan has ranked as the biggest target for foreign disinformation in the world for the last decade. Taiwanese politicians and researchers say...
2023-12-2746 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloTaiwan Election 2024 - Mini-series TrailerOn January 13th next, Taiwan goes to the polls to vote in what is likely to be the most consequential election yet in the island’s history. Here on Perspectives with Neilo, we’ve talked to local analysts and the leading political party’s representatives about what’s at stake - their policies, their polling, and their positions on China. Check out our 3 part mini-series NOW at pwneilo.com OR by searching for Perspectives with Neilo on your favorite podcast app. ------------------------------------------------------ Soundtrack - Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 Epic Unease by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https...
2023-12-1500 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloTaiwan Election 2024 - Interview with Brian Ting KMTIn this episode we bring you part 3 in our mini-series on Taiwan's 2024 presidential election and we focus on the Guomindang or KMT Party and their Presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜). All of our past episodes on Taiwan’s election are available on our blog site at pwneilo.com or by searching for Perspectives with Neilo on your favorite Podcast App. As we mentioned previously - this election outcome will likely have profound implications for Taiwan as it will set the tone for how authoritarian China, who claim Taiwan as their sovereign territory, will advance their expansionist agenda in the future. The KMT or B...
2023-12-1326 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloTaiwan Election 2024 - Interview with Vincent Chao DPPIn this episode of Perspectives with Neilo, we bring you Part 2 in our mini series on Taiwan's 2024 Presidential Election and we focus on the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (民進黨) and their candidate, William Lai or Lai Ching-te (賴清德) The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) were founded in 1986 a year before the end of martial law. They are one of the two major political parties in Taiwan, the other being the Kuomintang (KMT). We will focus on the KMT's presidential candidate in the next episode. The DPP has traditionally been associated with economic innovation, safeguarding human rights as well as promotion of Taiwanese nationalism and identity...
2023-12-0529 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloTaiwan Election 2024 - Interview with Courtney Donovan SmithTaiwan's 2024 Presidential Election is likely to have profound implications for Taiwan itself and the entire world. It's a race between the China-skeptic Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) versus the China-friendly opposition parties of the Kuomintang (KMT) and Taiwan People's Party (TPP). The election outcome will likely set the frame of reference for how authoritarian China, who claim Taiwan as their sovereign territory, will advance their expansionist agenda in the future. As the world's 16th largest trading economy and supplier of 90% of advanced semiconductors, a blockade on Taiwan by the Chinese Communist Party (CPP) would have significant impact on global trade, never...
2023-11-2847 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloTaiwan's Sea Monster has LandedIn the early 1990's, Dutch business interests sought permission to build submarines at the Cork Dockyard in Rushbrooke, County Cork, Ireland. However, state files released in December of 2022 show that the then Minister for Foreign Affairs David Andrews, feared that the export of military components from Ireland to Taiwan may invite the wrath of Beijing and he blocked the project to avoid any potential retaliation from the Chinese Communist Party. Ireland wasn't the only country to fear economic and diplomatic threats from Beijing when it came to sales of submarines to Taiwan, and after many years of attempting to purchase...
2023-11-1330 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloOslo Freedom Forum in TaiwanThe Oslo Freedom Forum is a master class conference produced by the Human Rights Foundation. In this episode of Perspectives with Neilo, we report from the recent event which took place in Taiwan on October 18th last. This is the fourth time since 2018 that the conference has been held in Taiwan, and it has been described by the organizers as a unique opportunity to shine a spotlight on Taiwan as a beacon for democracy. This year hosts an impressive line-up of speakers and an Interactive Expo. We were fortunate to chat with Tibetan activist Chemi Lhamo, as well as Expo...
2023-10-2635 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloTaiwan's UN Bid 2023In this episode we’re looking at the background to Taiwan’s latest bid for United Nations membership at the 78th United Nations General Assembly and their request for meaningful participation in the UNs Sustainable Development Goals. This is not the first time Taiwan has bid for membership at the UN, however as China’s power and influence have grown over the past decades, it has worked insidiously to isolate Taiwan and create a false narrative at the UN leaving the Taiwanese people feeling like they have no other choice but to succumb to annexation by the Chinese Communist Party.
2023-09-2019 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloThe EU Chips Act: A Game-Changer For Semiconductors?In this episode of Perspectives with Neilo we're discussing the EU Chips Act and why the EU, the US and others are trying to take back control of their semiconductor supply chains amid concerns that have intensified since Russia's invasion of Ukraine and China's increasingly aggressive behavior against Taiwan. My guest is Dr. Denis Doyle, who is currently Board Chair of the Tyndall National Institute based at University College Cork. Denis has been a leader in the semiconductor industry for over 30 years and has run large and complex silicon manufacturing facilities with complex global supply chains both in Ireland and...
2023-09-1150 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloETNC Report - Ireland China RelationsAlexander Davey from MERICS discusses the latest ETNC report on China with special focus on Ireland-China relations including risks and challenges.
2023-08-0957 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloCathal Berry TD Talks TaiwanAt the end of June an Irish Parliamentary delegation visited Taiwan on a 5 day trip to exchange views on Taiwan-Ireland relations, economic resilience and the situation in the Taiwan Strait. They met with many of Taiwan’s elected representatives across multiple government departments. Doctor Cathal Berry who is an independent TD for the constituency of Kildare South was among the delegation, and I sat down with him at his office in Portarlington upon his return to talk about Ireland-Taiwan relations, re-opening Ireland’s trade office in Taipei and China Influence Operations in Ireland.
2023-07-1832 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloChina Wake Up CallThe Consultative Forum on International Security Policy took place in Ireland from June 22nd to the 27th. It brought together an extensive range of experts who shared their insights on a wide variety of topics including cyber security, peacekeeping, the triple lock, NATO and much more. While Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was top of mind for many, China’s increasing assertiveness and support for Russia was less to the fore. Professor Andrew Cottey who is the EU Jean Monnet Chair in European Political Integration at the Department of Government and Politics at UCC was among the panel of experts. I sa...
2023-07-0427 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloOffshore Wind Power - Learning From TaiwanAs Ireland’s offshore wind industry marked a new milestone in May with the awarding of the first round of offshore wind projects we visit the Pacific island nation of Taiwan which has been deploying offshore wind generation since 2017. With a land mass half the size of Ireland and a population of over 23 million, the lack of space on land together with abundant wind resources means most major developments are offshore. Many EU states like Denmark are actively partnering with Taiwan for investment opportunities and technical expertise. During my recent trip to Taipei, I spoke to Angelica Oung - Energy Re...
2023-06-1534 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloTaipei City Councillor Miao Poya InterviewInterview with Taipei City Councillor Miao Poya on the upcoming Taiwan Presidential election, the difficulties of engaging with authoritarian regimes, the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on Taiwan public opinion, and how her constituents perceive China’s unrelenting gray warfare attacks against Taiwan.
2023-06-0231 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloWolf Warrior Peace BrokeringTaiwan based journalist and author, Jojje Olsson, joins me on this episode of Perspectives with Neilo to discuss China's ability to be an impartial peace broker in the Russia - Ukraine war, the significance of wolf warrior Lu Shaye's comments about illegitimate Soviet states and the subsequent phone call by Xi Jinping to President Zelenskyy 14 months on from the start of the Russian invasion.
2023-05-2725 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloTaiwan Celts - North Asian Gaelic GamesThe Taiwan Celts host the North Asian Gaelic Games in Taipei on the weekend of May 26th in honor of the memory of club founder Derek Brady. Find out all about this special event as well as what's been happening with the club recently and meet some of the new members.
2023-05-1821 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloEU in Taiwan15 EU Member States participate in the European Economic Trade Office in Taiwan and we caught up with some of their representatives to find out more at the Europe Festival in Taipei.
2023-05-1023 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloThe China US Blame GameThe CCP and its supporters blame the US as the sole agent for escalation of tensions in the Taiwan Strait. Brian Hioe from New Bloom Magazine shares his insights on this along with the practicalities of the US One China Policy, opinions of the US in Taiwan, why the CCP prefers a military response to diplomatic outreach with the current Taiwan administration and much more.
2023-04-2824 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloThe 'Maocron' Faux PasDetailed reaction to Macron's China visit with focus on his controversial comments on EU strategic autonomy and supporting peace in the Taiwan strait.
2023-04-1520 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloVisits And Vanishing ActsInterview with Courtney Donovan Smith on the visit of former Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou to China, an overview of the political landscape in Taiwan as the January 2024 presidential election approaches, the recent forfeiting of diplomatic ties with Taiwan by Honduras, and President Tsai Ing-wen's US stop over and upcoming meeting with the US House Speaker, Kevin McCarthy.
2023-03-3137 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloThe Beijing StraddlePerspectives with Neilo interview with Alex Davey of MERICS about China's ability to broker peace in Russia's war on Ukraine, the perception of China in Europe and Ireland's engagement with China.
2023-03-1537 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloSalami Slicing TaiwanPerspectives with Neilo talks with Itamar Waksman of Radio Taiwan International about the ongoing PLAAF incursions into Taiwan's ADIZ and how this is raising tensions in the region.
2023-01-2633 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloJohn McGuinness TD Talks TaiwanIn this episode of Perspectives with Neilo, I’m chatting with John McGuinness, Fianna Fail TD for Carlow-Kilkenny. We talk about why Ireland should be building connections with Taiwan, the One China Policy and China's influence on Irish politics, opposing party view points in his own party and how Ireland's engagement with Taiwan compares with that of other EU states.
2023-01-0432 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloTaiwan's Role in the Global EconomyIn this episode of Perspectives with Neilo, we explore Taiwan’s role in the Global Economy, and what impact a conflict in the Taiwan strait would have on the EU and beyond. Our podcast features content from the Berlin Taiwan Conference which took place on December 5th and 6th last. The conference which was organized by Reinhard Bütikofer MEP for Alliance 90/The Greens, brought together academics, experts from business and politics, government representatives and members of civil society to discuss Taiwan's economic importance and its role as a partner in Indo-Pacific policy. It took place against a backdrop of ong...
2022-12-1433 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloIrish in TaiwanIn this episode of Perspectives with Neilo, we’re talking with Sean Glennon who is co-Founder of the Irish Association of Taiwan. Sean is originally from Dublin and he first came to Taiwan about 5 years ago on a working holiday. The Irish Association of Taiwan promotes Irish culture and is a gathering place for both Irish and Taiwanese who are passionate about Ireland.
2022-12-0726 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloTaiwan Celts - The Meath ConnectionThis episode is a follow-on to the last episode where I spoke to the Taiwan Celts during one of their training sessions in Taipei. In this episode, I am interviewed by Gerry Kelly on his Late Lunch show on LMFM. We talk about my recent trip to Taiwan, the Taiwan Celts GAA Team and the team's connection with Bohermeen, County Meath.
2022-11-2915 minPerspectives with Neilo
Perspectives with NeiloTaiwan Celts GAAA chat with the Taiwan Celts GAA Team about the club history, the Asian Gaelic Games Tournament and life in Taiwan.
2022-11-2316 min