In a report from Epoch Times on November 15, 2025, retired Major General Tian Zai Mai of the Republic of China Air Force, who previously served as a military attaché in the United States, specializing in the history of the Flying Tigers and author of “History of the Flying Tigers: Passing on Dedication and Courage,” recently attended the 24th U.S.-Taiwan Defense Industry Conference in Maryland, USA, and was interviewed by this newspaper in New York.
Reflecting on the historical context of U.S.-Taiwan military cooperation, his tone was both proud and nostalgic – “What I am most proud of, and also the underlying meaning of writing ‘History of the Flying Tigers,’ is those individuals in American political and military history who have shown morals and courage.”
These individuals he referred to are not just historical figures but also the “true role models of political morals and courage” in his mind – from Roosevelt, MacArthur, Eisenhower, Reagan, to Bush and McCain – these individuals “strongly despised communism” and profoundly influenced the fate of the Republic of China while upholding American interests and values of freedom.
“I hope today’s American political leaders and defense industry remember the beliefs and sense of honor their predecessors had,” he earnestly stated.
Major General Tian mentioned that the twelve American political and military figures he collected in his book played a crucial role in Taiwan’s survival; it was their beliefs and support that allowed the Republic of China to “survive to this day.”
He particularly highlighted Senator Barry Goldwater, a former brigadier general in the U.S. Air National Guard. “He was one of the senators who initiated the ‘Taiwan Relations Act,’ which provided legal support for the U.S. government to assist Taiwan in ensuring its security. Goldwater has shown us kindness. After his wife passed away, he remarried and brought his second wife to Taiwan for their honeymoon. Upon arrival, they went to meet with President Chiang Ching-kuo, a gesture that is unforgettable.”
Speaking of the Flying Tigers, he shared a little-known story. In 1943, Flying Tigers ace pilot John Alison shot down two Japanese planes in combat, but his own plane was severely damaged, almost costing him his life. Fortunately, a Chinese pilot, Zang Xilan, bravely shot down the pursuing Japanese plane, saving Alison’s life.
Years later, Alison worked for an American defense contractor and contributed to the cooperative production program of the F-5E/F fighter jets, enabling Taiwan’s aviation industry to domestically produce over three hundred F-5E/F planes. “This was the precursor of the Flying Tigers – frontline rescue turned into later defense cooperation.”
In Major General Tian’s memory, General Douglas MacArthur was another symbol of moral and military exemplary conduct.
“Near the end of World War II, Admiral Nimitz proposed advancing from the Philippines to invade Taiwan (then under Japanese control), but MacArthur said that would lead to too many casualties, turning Taiwan into a sea of fire. He advocated island-hopping operations, directly attacking Okinawa or advancing to Hokkaido, Japan before swiftly seizing it. It was this decision that saved Taiwan.”
“That wasn’t a strategy, but a humane choice by a military man. Many people don’t know that this decision by the general saved thousands of Taiwanese lives.”
During the Korean War, MacArthur once again demonstrated his military leadership. After the landing at Inchon, he recaptured the Korean Peninsula and advocated for advancing north. “He told President Chiang Kai-shek that they should cross the Yalu River together and head straight for Beijing. President Chiang was naturally excited, but unfortunately, Truman was afraid of sparking a world war and relieved him of his duties.” Despite this, MacArthur was still welcomed as a hero upon his return to the U.S., becoming a national symbol with tens of thousands lining the streets of New York to pay their respects. “There is a ‘MacArthur Highway’ between Taipei and Keelung, commemorating him.”
In Major General Tian’s eyes, President Franklin D. Roosevelt was the beginning of Chinese-American cooperation. “He was very kind to President Chiang and Madame Chiang, but passed away at a young age.”
As for President Dwight Eisenhower, “he was the only U.S. President to visit Taiwan before diplomatic relations were cut.” When he flew in on an aircraft carrier and a helicopter to arrive in Taipei, he was warmly welcomed by thousands. “At that time, Taiwan had just been liberated, with much work still to be done. His presence was like a shot in the arm – the U.S. President coming in person symbolized that Taiwan was not alone.”
“President Kennedy is also someone we are grateful for,” Major General Tian said. During the Cold War, the U.S. provided U-2 high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft through the CIA, allowing the establishment of the “Black Cat Squadron” of the Republic of China Air Force for reconnaissance missions over mainland China.
“At that time, American U-2 planes were shot down by the Soviet Union, and they were reluctant to send their own pilots. That’s why they used our pilots. They provided the aircraft and equipment, and we provided the personnel. The mission was extremely risky. Five of our planes were shot down, ten pilots were killed, and two were captured for over a decade before returning.”
He sighed, “They were the bravest – in the early days of aviation, they had to wear urine tubes and bags and stay in the air for seven to eight hours without landing. The intelligence analyzed by the U.S. also confirmed that the mainland was developing nuclear weapons, changing the U.S.’ strategic judgments.”
“Kennedy was very good to us, but he died young.”
“President Reagan was a good friend of ours,” Major General Tian recalled. Besides the “Taiwan Relations Act,” he proposed the “Six Assurances,” stipulating that U.S. arms sales to Taiwan would not be interfered with by the CCP. “These Six Assurances became another legal basis and stabilized Taiwan’s confidence.”
In mentioning the late President George Bush, Major General Tian also showed great respect. “When he was the U.N. Ambassador, he advocated for not allowing the Republic of China to leave, hoping to maintain a dual representation – one seat for the CCP and one for us, ensuring at least a voice. But Generalissimo Chiang insisted on the principle of ‘Chinese bandits cannot coexist,’ which meant once we withdrew, we couldn’t get back in.”
He added that Bush later approved the sale of 150 F-16 fighters to Taiwan, “making a significant contribution to our national defense security.”
As for the late Senator John McCain, Major General Tian was particularly moved. “He was imprisoned for five and a half years during the Vietnam War. Later, North Vietnam found out that his father was the Pacific Command Commander and wanted to release him first, but he said, ‘I’ll be the last one to leave unless all my fellow American POWs are released.’ This is the epitome of military virtue.”
Major General Tian recalled an encounter with McCain at the Phoenix airport in the U.S., where they briefly conversed. “He was very kind. I said to him, ‘We respect your family’s support for the Republic of China.’ He smiled and said, ‘This is what I should do.’ The following year, he had a layover in Taipei and discussed regional security issues during his Asian trip.”
After McCain’s passing, Major General Tian specifically went to pay his respects at the Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. “I salute, bow three times, kneel on one knee, and pray in front of the gravestone.”
There are three other individuals who have made significant contributions to the Republic of China. Major General Tian said that the late Senator Bob Dole steadfastly supported the Republic of China during his tenure, speaking up for Taiwan in Congress multiple times. During Soong Mei-ling’s visit to the U.S., Dole personally accompanied her, demonstrating his friendship and respect for Taiwan.
Former U.S. Ambassador to China James Lilley was also a staunch friend of Taiwan. He had deep feelings for the Republic of China and played a key role in promoting Taiwan-U.S. relations.
General Claire Chennault, on the other hand, was a symbol of friendship between Taiwan and the U.S. Throughout his life, he staunchly opposed communism, which led to intense vilification by the CCP in the 1950s and 1960s, labeling him as a “reactionary pirate” and “airborne bandit,” even publishing propaganda booklets portraying him as a war criminal and “the enemy of the Chinese people.”
At that time, Chinese Communist media reports were full of hostility: “Chennault, this pirate, originally an American gangster, colluded with the Chiang gang during the war, smuggled arms to help fight the civil war; after victory, he aided Chiang in the slaughter of the Chinese people with aerial bombings. Even now, he is active between Taiwan and Hong Kong, helping the remnants of the Chiang gang against the Chinese people. … We believe that in the not-too-distant future, he – this pirate war criminal – will face ruthless retribution before the great Chinese people!”
However, more than thirty years later, the CCP completely reversed its stance. Starting in 1984, the official acknowledgment was made that “General Chennault made indelible contributions to China’s war effort,” and the former “pirate” and “bandit” became the “old friend” and “anti-Japanese hero” in the CCP’s narrative.
Looking back from the perspective of the Republic of China, Major General Tian believes that the U.S.’ role in East Asia since World War II has been not just an ally but also an ideological partner. “Since the fall of the Qing Dynasty, especially after World War II, American friends have paid countless lives and efforts to maintain security, freedom, and world peace in East Asia.”
“After the government retreated to Taiwan, our compatriots and American friends have been standing side-by-side on the front lines of the democratic defense,” he said. “Based on both countries’ national interests and the common goal of world peace, American assistance has helped us weather numerous difficult times.”