Seedless Watermelons and a Secret War in the Desert: the Taiwan–Saudi Arabia Story – S5-E19 cover art

Seedless Watermelons and a Secret War in the Desert: the Taiwan–Saudi Arabia Story – S5-E19

Seedless Watermelons and a Secret War in the Desert: the Taiwan–Saudi Arabia Story – S5-E19

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Taiwanese pilots flew combat jets in Saudi uniforms over Arabian skies? Yes. This week, learn about what may seem like an unusual friendship: the close ties between Taiwan and Saudi Arabia. Bonded by oil, anti-Communism, technical exchanges, interest-free loans, and even seedless watermelons, Saudi Arabia was the only nation in the Middle East to vote “NO” on letting Red China into the UN, and they only swapped from Taipei to Beijing in 1990. This week’s episode is an oasis for those thirsting to learn more about the ROC and 沙特阿拉伯 (Shātè Ā lā bó).


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