In 1988, a high-ranking Taiwanese nuclear engineer vanished, resurfacing in the U.S. with a story that would change the course of Taiwan’s history.
Colonel Chang Hsien-yi wasn’t just any scientist—he was a key player in Taiwan’s secret nuclear weapons program. And he was also a CIA informant.
Taiwan Was Quietly Developing Nuclear Weapons
For decades, Taiwan had been quietly building the capability to develop nuclear weapons, spurred by fears of an invasion from China.
Officially, the island’s nuclear research was for peaceful purposes, but behind closed doors, something was wrong.
Chang and his colleagues knew Taiwan’s secret mission: create a nuclear deterrent to match Beijing’s growing arsenal.
The U.S., Taiwan’s closest ally, was not on board.
Under its strict nonproliferation policy, Washington opposed the spread of nuclear weapons—especially in politically volatile regions.
But Taipei’s cover stories were airtight, leaving American officials scrambling to confirm their suspicions.
Chang Handed CIA Evidence
That’s where Chang came in. After years of secret meetings in Taipei safehouses, he handed the CIA the evidence they needed.
Armed with this intelligence, the U.S. pressured Taiwan to dismantle the program.
Within months of Chang’s defection, key facilities were shut down, and crucial nuclear materials were removed.
