Taiwan’s public policy, Taiwan Think Tank, and several other organizations held a seminar on Wednesday, discussing “How is Taiwan perceived by the world? Foreign Media and Global Narratives” by inviting scholars and experts to analyze the topic.
The host, Chen Lipu, a director of the Taiwan United Nations Association, highlighted the importance of media as a crucial tool in shaping the worldview. He invited seasoned media professionals who are actively engaged in communication to share their experiences in news reporting and digital media interactions, aiming to deepen the understanding of how Taiwan is perceived globally.
Researcher Chen Xi’an from the Taiwan Think Tank remarked that news media serves as a primary channel for the international community to comprehend Taiwan. How foreign media represents Taiwan not only reflects how the international society views Taiwan but also influences future attitudes and approaches toward Taiwan on the global stage. The way Taiwan is portrayed in foreign media can impact public opinion and societal atmosphere, potentially creating anxiety if portrayed as a “dangerous war front,” or boosting confidence if highlighting democratic values and diversity.
Chen Xi’an pointed out that factors influencing the content and direction of reporting, whether by international or Taiwanese media, are diverse and complex. Organizational structures, editorial operations, industry dynamics, and social culture all play roles, with many influencing elements often unnoticed by reporters and editors.
Digital content producer Li Youru from READr noted that Taiwan’s international image is often associated with China. She emphasized that a key principle for setting international media agendas is relevance to one’s own national interests, as this attracts domestic audience attention. The Taiwan Strait is a source of many captivating stories, increasing the viewership of such news locally.
Former Radio Free Asia correspondent and ex-Asia Fact-Checking Lab director Li Zhide remarked, “Taiwanese people’s ultimate anxiety is to be oppressed and bullied to death without a sound, with no one knowing. Hence, we are very concerned about how the international community perceives Taiwan.” He suggested that Taiwan could play a more proactive role as an actor.
Li Zhide elaborated, “Firstly, we can tell our own story well. For instance, issues related to Chinese spouses involve household registration and nationality matters that many countries do not have. Taiwanese can actively speak out to the world and clarify these details. Furthermore, Taiwan is a crucial information provider in countering the authoritarianism of the Chinese Communist Party, aiding world media and people’s understanding of the threat posed by the CCP, fostering more understanding, empathy, and support for Taiwan.”
Yang Huang Meixing, Chairperson of the Peng Mingmin Foundation for Democracy and Education, expressed concerns over the long-standing harm caused to Taiwan by the Kuomintang’s promotion of the “One China” policy, leaving many Taiwanese feeling powerless. She suggested enhancing internationalization by submitting articles to international media journals, promoting English information on local tourist spots, and encouraging foreign readers and tourists to learn about Taiwan.
Yang Huang Meixing emphasized that Taiwan is not a part of the Chinese Communist Party and has actively worked to expand Taiwan’s diplomatic relations by serving as a freelance ambassador, traveling worldwide to enhance global awareness of Taiwan.
Following the discussions, the host and participants addressed questions regarding the “single perspective of foreign media,” “trends in international affairs,” and “sources of information for foreign media,” engaging in in-depth analyses and responses.