The White House released its 2025 National Security Strategy report last Thursday, local time, which underscored its continued commitment to maintaining the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. The strategy was well-received by Taiwan’s Presidential Office and the Foreign Ministry, who say that key messaging regarding China and prioritizing strengthened self-defense and cooperation are positive signs for Indo-Pacific security.

This week, Amanda and Hanna are tackling: Trump raging against South American druglords while pardoning one, Google’s release of Nano Banana PRO and what it means for the future of visual journalism, and Oxford’s entry to the “word-of-the-year” arena. Read along with us! Trump pardons former Honduran President: 1. Trump formally pardons former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández (Kaitlan Collins and Maria Santana, CNN), 2. What was Honduras ex-president convicted of and why has Trump pardoned him? (Nadine Yousif, BBC), 3. Hegeseth under fire as ‘war crimes’ allegations mount (ABC7) Nano Banana Pro's release: 1. Google’s Nano Banana Pro is raising concerns over realistic AI image generation (NBC news), 2. Nano Banana Pro Is Here: All the Changes in Google's Popular AI Image Tool (Katelyn, CNET), 3. Hands On With Google’s Nano Banana Pro Image Generator (Reese Rogers , WIRED), 4. Google’s Nano Banana Bro makes ultrarealistic AI images. It scares the hell out o...

Crafting is a wonderful way to reduce stress and express yourself!  Join Isabella as she and Michelle geek out about handiwork!

Morning markets are the best places to experience Taiwan’s vibrant food culture, where all the ingredients represent part of Taiwan's flavours. This week, we’ll continue to learn some useful words, specifically vegetables, to help you go shopping in a Taiwanese market. ●Words to Know: 1. 蔥仔 tshang-á (n.) scallion 2. 紅菜頭 âng-tshài-thâu (n.) carrots 3. 莧菜 hīng-tshài (n.) Amaranth Leaves / Chinese spinach 4. 香菇 hiunn-koo (n.) shintake mushrooms 5. 高麗菜 ko-lê-tshài (n.) cabbage   ●Idiom  of the week: 食魚食肉，也著菜佮。Tsia̍h hî tsia̍h bah, iā tio̍h tshài kah. (Eating fish and meat is important, but it's also essential to eat vegetables.)

In today's episode, we will look at some letters and reception reports from Japan and India. Besides that, there are a couple of emails complementing Rti's programs and answering two interesting questions about Rti's history.  If you would like to contact us and have your message read on air, please send a letter to P.O. BOX 123, 199 Taipei, Taiwan, or email us at English@rti.org.tw. You can also reach us on social media: Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram at @Rtienglish.

In this episode of Formosa Dream Chasers, we sit down with Ilon Huang who shares how his 25-year journey in Taiwan began with the simple step of coming here to study Mandarin. What started as a language-learning adventure gradually unfolded into a deeply rooted life on this island he now calls home. Today, Ilon is a German language lecturer at National Chengchi University and Soochow University, where he inspires students through both language and intercultural understanding. You might also recognize his voice as Ilon is a familiar presence on Radio Taiwan International’s German service, where he hosts programs that bridge Taiwan and German-speaking audiences. In our conversation, Ilon reflects on the early days of adjusting to life in Taiwan and what is was like as his path evolved from language learner to a working professional. Join us as we explore what it truly means to discover your dreams on Formosa.

This week, we’re talking about the start of the California Gold Rush , establishment of the Irish Free State, and finally the Antarctic Treaty establishing the contentment as a neutral research zone! And we’ve got some great tunes to pair them with as well!

The Golden Horse Awards, one of the most prestigious film awards in the Mandarin-speaking world, held its 62nd ceremony on 22 November this year. This week, Wanson takes you through some of the highlights in the ceremony’s winners, including films like Mother Bhumi (地母), A Foggy Tale (大濛), and more. If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw You can also find Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café)

What do humans, mice, elephants, lions, tigers, bears, whales, and bats all have in common? Well, we are all placental mammals, and we all share a common ancestor. Scientists think they know what that common ancestor looked like. Formosa Fauna is back this week to entertainingly educate you about animals both in Taiwan and abroad! Spend the next 20 minutes listening to this episode and feeding your noggin with fun facts about the animal kingdom so you can become smarter than all of your friends. In this episode we talk about:  – All placental mammals' common ancestor  – Distraction chicken in Taiwan  – Taiwan may phase out food waste as pig feed nationwide  – How to survive an unpleasant Formosan macaque encounter  – Deadly blue-ringed octopuses ...and so much more. Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos welcome) to tristan@rti.org.tw! See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

Just an episode vibing with the chill air and hot cocoa!