22 April 2025 | International Institute for Asian Studies, Leiden, The Netherlands
Abstract
This report summarizes the workshop “Perspectives on Taiwan’s Cultural and Public Diplomacy,” held on 22 April 2025 at the International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS) in Leiden, the Netherlands. Bringing together leading scholars and practitioners, the event explored Taiwan’s evolving strategies in cultural and public diplomacy, focusing on soft power, heritage, literature, human rights, and grassroots activism. Through lectures, case studies, and roundtable discussions, participants examined how Taiwan leverages its unique identity and democratic values to enhance its international standing amidst geopolitical challenges. The workshop fostered vibrant dialogue, highlighted the importance of everyday culture and digital diplomacy, and laid the groundwork for future academic collaboration and research in Taiwan studies.
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On April 22, 2025, the International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS) in Leiden, the Netherlands, hosted a full-day workshop titled “Perspectives on Taiwan’s Cultural and Public Diplomacy.” Convened by Dr. Jens Damm (Visiting Chair of Taiwan Studies, IIAS and Leiden University) and organized in partnership with the IIAS, Leiden University Faculty of Humanities, and the Department of Cross-Strait Education of the Ministry of Education of the Republic of China (Taiwan), the event brought together a distinguished group of scholars and practitioners to critically examine Taiwan’s strategies and challenges in the fields of cultural and public diplomacy. Professor Ann Heylen (National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei) played a key role as co-organizer and discussant.
The workshop opened with welcoming remarks from Dr. Damm and Professor Heylen, who set the stage for a day of in-depth exploration into Taiwan’s evolving diplomatic narratives and their impact on global perceptions. They emphasized the importance of understanding Taiwan’s unique position as a de facto state, whose cultural diplomacy efforts are shaped by both its contested international status and its vibrant democratic identity.
The morning session began with an opening lecture chaired by Dr. Casper Wits (Leiden University). Dr. Colin Alexander (Nottingham Trent University, UK) presented a theoretical perspective on public diplomacy, arguing that nations must leverage both cultural and moral narratives to gain legitimacy and influence in the international arena. Dr. Alexander highlighted how Taiwan, in particular, draws on democratic values and human rights to build moral authority. Following this, Dr. Jens Damm offered a historical analysis of Taiwan’s evolving diplomatic discourse, tracing the transition from a “Free China” narrative during the Cold War to a more assertive and unique Taiwanese identity in contemporary times. This shift, he argued, allows Taiwan to distinguish itself from China and to address the ongoing challenges posed by its ambiguous sovereignty.
A lively Q&A followed, with participants probing the tensions and synergies between theory and practice in Taiwan’s public diplomacy. Topics included the role of soft power, the interplay between identity and legitimacy, and the strategic use of cultural narratives in a rapidly shifting geopolitical context.
Late morning saw the first session of case studies, chaired by Dr. Pablo Ampuero Ruiz (Leiden University). Professor Ann Heylen delved into the legacy of Dutch colonialism in Taiwan, proposing a decolonial approach to heritage diplomacy that emphasizes shared histories and plural identities. Dr. Katarzyna Sarek (Jagiellonian University, Poland) illustrated how Taiwanese literature has found a receptive audience in Poland, demonstrating the power of cultural exchange to challenge stereotypes and foster mutual understanding. Dr. Casper Wits examined Taiwan’s engagement with contested WWII narratives, underlining the importance of historical memory in international discourse and the ways in which Taiwan navigates competing stories from China and Japan. In the discussion that followed, the panel and attendees reflected on the potential of multicultural narratives and cultural heritage to serve as bridges across political and historical divides.
After lunch, the workshop reconvened for a second session of case studies focused on cultural and human rights diplomacy, chaired by Dr. Katarzyna Sarek. Michael Danielsen (Taiwan Corner, Denmark) discussed the vital role of civil society in Taiwan’s diplomatic efforts, highlighting grassroots initiatives that promote democracy and human rights. Dr. Frederic Krumbein (Free University Berlin) spoke on Taiwan’s groundbreaking progress in LGBTQ+ rights and the global significance of such achievements for Taiwan’s image as a progressive democracy. The discussion explored how human rights advocacy has become an integral part of Taiwan’s foreign policy and how grassroots movements enhance Taiwan’s international visibility, even as the country must navigate the realities of international politics and cross-Strait tensions.
The day concluded with a roundtable discussion, co-chaired by Dr. Jens Damm and Professor Ann Heylen, which synthesized insights from the sessions and drew on the lived experiences of participants engaged in Taiwan’s diplomatic outreach, particularly in Europe. The conversation turned to the role of media and digital diplomacy, with participants noting both the opportunities and challenges of engaging foreign audiences via social platforms. Fast, authentic responses on channels like X (formerly Twitter) were contrasted with slower, less agile use of Facebook, underscoring the need for continual adaptation to the digital landscape. The group also discussed the power of “everyday culture”—from bubble tea and festivals to daily life stories—as a means of humanizing Taiwan and making its society relatable to international audiences.
Another recurring theme was the debate over Taiwan’s status as a “small power.” While participants acknowledged the obstacles posed by China’s dominance, they also highlighted Taiwan’s significant economic and cultural influence, pointing to its ranking as the world’s 23rd largest economy and its vibrant civil society. The workshop concluded with a shared commitment to further innovation, inclusivity, and collaboration in advancing Taiwan’s cultural diplomacy.
Dinner and Post-Workshop Outcomes
The day’s formal programme was followed by a dinner graciously hosted by the Taiwan Representative to the Netherlands, Ambassador Tien Chung-Kwang. Ambassador Tien’s perspectives and engagement throughout the event were widely appreciated and significantly enriched the workshop’s dialogue, fostering an atmosphere of openness and exchange between scholars, practitioners, and diplomatic representatives.
Looking ahead, Dr. Jens Damm and Professor Ann Heylen are actively pursuing opportunities for joint publications and further academic exchanges that build on the insights generated during the workshop. Notably, Dr. Damm will be presenting on related themes—specifically, Taiwan’s role in German foreign policy—at the upcoming EATS (European Association of Taiwan Studies) conference in Olomouc, Czech Republic, thereby continuing the broader conversation about Taiwan’s international engagement.
Conclusion
This workshop offered a comprehensive and multilayered exploration of Taiwan’s cultural and public diplomacy, combining rigorous theoretical analysis, diverse case studies, and rich personal reflections from practitioners. By leveraging its cultural heritage, human rights advocacy, and everyday narratives, Taiwan continues to assert itself as a significant player on the global stage. The lively discussions and new collaborations that emerged from this event promise to inform both future research and real-world practice in the field of Taiwan studies.
Prepared by:
Dr. Jens Damm
Taiwan Chair and Professorial FellowInternational Institute for Asian Studies, Leiden University