Chang Hsien-yi's Leak Forces Taiwan to Halt Nuclear Weapons Program

In January 1988, Taiwanese nuclear engineer Chang Hsien-yi leaked information about Taiwan's secret nuclear weapons program to the US, leading to its shutdown. Critics have labeled Chang a 'betrayer' for undermining Taiwan's defense capabilities against China, which had conducted its first nuclear test in 1964, prompting Taiwan to initiate its own program. At 81, Chang asserts that his actions were in the best interest of the Taiwanese people, emphasizing that developing nuclear weapons was unnecessary and counterproductive. He recalls the CIA's interest in him dating back to his training at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, where he eventually became an informant. Despite ongoing criticism, Chang maintains he acted out of a belief in peace, not betrayal. His story draws parallels to other whistleblowers, highlighting the complexities of national security and ethical dilemmas in defense policy.