Taiwan’s unique culture could be the country’s most effective diplomatic tool, but it is often underutilized and unappreciated by its own people, participants said at an international forum yesterday.
National Cultural Association secretary-general Chen Yu-shiu (陳郁秀) said that the government had failed to take full advantage of Taiwan’s culture when trying to shore up the country’s waning diplomatic space, even though Taiwan’s rich cultural heritage could catapult the nation to the center of international attention.
Calling culture a prime example of “soft power,” Chen said “Cultural exchange is the quickest and easiest way to communicate with the rest of the world because appreciation of culture has become the common language of the global community.”
She pointed out that throughout world history, countries have used their own unique culture in exchange for friendship and recognition.
For example, prior to establishing relations with China, former US president Richard Nixon launched “ping pong diplomacy” in Beijing in 1971.
The New York Philharmonic Orchestra also recently performed in North Korea in an attempt to thaw the icy relationship between Pyongyang and Washington.
The secretary-general, however, lamented that many Taiwanese people do not have a thorough understanding and appreciation of the nation’s rich local culture.
“Many people only know Taiwan for its technological advancements, but ignore its colorful cultural heritage. Taiwan not only has a plethora of various fauna and flora, it is also the home of several the world-class performing groups and fine artists,” she said, citing the example of world-renowned Cloud Gate Dance Troupe.
The chairman of Soochow University’s political science department, Luo Chih-cheng (羅致政), echoed Chen’s views, saying a country would not be able to promote its cultural values unless its people had a sound understanding of what the country has to offer.
“The problem with Taiwan is not a lack of cultural assets, but that the people and the government do not know how to package and promote the country’s assets. It is impossible to create a brand when the product is not appreciated,” he said.
Deputy Foreign Minister Yang Tzu-pao (楊子葆) said while it is true that the government should undertake “cultural diplomacy,” he said a “synergy” must be created before Taiwan can use its culture to carve out international space.
Yang said a country’s level of cultural appreciation is a composite of each individual’s effort therefore it requires a nationwide campaign to promote and protect Taiwan’s culture.
Yang recalled a story when he was in Burkina Faso on a diplomatic visit. He met an African official who praised the hospitality of the Taiwanese people he experienced when he was a graduate student in Pingtung.
“Taiwan’s best cultural asset is the kindness of its people,” he said.
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