Written by Chiaoning Su. This article discusses how Taiwan is leveraging social media influencers for nation branding as part of its public diplomacy efforts. While current initiatives effectively promote Taiwan’s democratic values and openness, the government needs to address several key issues, such as defining a clear target audience, fostering bottom-up partnerships with foreign influencers, and navigating geopolitical challenges.
Written by Wei-Ping Li. Taiwan’s political TV talk shows are a contested space in the fight against Chinese disinformation, with some hosts and guests spreading false information and AI tools being used to alter content and disseminate pro-China propaganda. To combat this, Taiwanese media must enforce stricter self-discipline, enhance collaboration with fact-checkers and researchers, and improve public awareness of disinformation’s effects.
Written by Karen Huang. This article explores the growing use of PRC terms in Taiwan Mandarin and the social reactions to this trend. While some Taiwanese view this trend as a natural result of language contact, others perceive these terms as a form of cultural invasion. The debate among Taiwanese netizens reflects broader concerns about cultural identity, political influence from China, and the implications for younger generations in Taiwan.
Written by Weixiang Wang. This article examines how nationalistic Chinese key opinion leaders and pro-Beijing Taiwanese influencers contribute to negative public perceptions of Taiwan in China. It highlights their role in shaping narratives that not only worsen opinions of Taiwan but also increase tolerance for hardline, possibly military, actions toward Taiwan.
Written by Jonathan Leung. This article examines the ideological transformation of the New Party through its theme song, The Earth Thunders. It argues that the party abandons the ROC identity and liberal ideologies and moves closer to China and Chinese nationalist sentiments. The slight modification of the lyrics portrays this counter-cultural move.
Written by Mark Gerard Murphy. This article reflects on the intersection of Chinese martial arts and nationalism in both Taiwan and Mainland China. It demonstrates how martial arts were closely tied to nationalist sentiments in different periods of history of both, but each followed distinct paths of development that reflected their respective cultural pride and national identity.
Written by Daniel Yu-Kuei Sun. This article explores the usage of two terms representing Taiwan’s national team, “Team Chinese Taipei” or “Team Chunghwa” and “Team Taiwan”. It observes a gradual shift in traditional media outlets and social media platforms to use the latter. This identity was best articulate in baseball as it is a uniquely Taiwanese sport with marginal presence in Mainland China.
Written by Brian Hioe. This article explores the way in which the Olympics served as a stand-in for contestation about national identity in Taiwan. It compares the 2024 Olympics in Paris with previous Olympics, in response to the national referendum in 2018 on the name of Taiwan’s Olympic team and growing support for the status quo and progressive political values among young people.
Written by Chieh-Ting Yeh. This articles argues that China has been exploiting the Olympic Games for its nationalism and as a battleground to squash Taiwan’s national status. It demonstrates how Taiwan stands as a stark contrast to China through embodying the values of the Olympic Games, including sportsmanship and resolving conflicts through mutual understanding.
Written by Junwei Yu. This article highlights the political implication of the Olympic Formula of Chinese Taipei for Taiwanese spectators in the stand. The IOC regulations for spectators are relatively vague and that allow different handling of Taiwanese fans in various Olympics and sports events. This article reviews these incidents amidst increasingly assertive Taiwanese identity.
Written by Marcus P. Chu. This article reviews Taiwan’s journey of participation in the Olympics, from the representation of the ROC to Chinese Taipei. It highlights the Nagoya Resolution and Lausanne Agreement as fundamental to Taiwan’s participation. Such a formula is challenged by recent ongoing demands for name rectification, which raises questions about Taiwan’s future in the Olympics.
Written by Anthony Lee. This article explores Taiwan’s Internet governance model, underlining its commitment to democratic principles and multistakeholder participation. Taiwan’s success in this area will depend on confronting challenges such as adapting to emerging technologies, ensuring privacy protection, and navigating geopolitical pressures while upholding democratic values and fostering international partnerships.
Taiwan Insight 