TAIPEI: Taiwan launched its first English-language TV channel on Monday in a bid to boost its international reach in the face of an intensifying pressure campaign by Beijing.
However, TaiwanPlus will only be available on the island at the moment, limiting its international reach.
Self-governing Taiwan is living under the constant threat of an invasion by China, which claims the island as part of its territory will one day be captured.
Beijing’s state-run media outlets have a growing global footprint, primarily through the television network CGTN and the dominance of social media platforms such as Twitter and YouTube, which are banned in the country.
Officials say TaiwanPlus, which started as a streaming platform last year with government support, will be used in part to counter the China narrative.
Oversaw the launch ceremony on Monday, President Tsai Ing-wen said the 24-hour channel will “bring Taiwan to the international community” as it seeks closer ties with “countries that share our core values of freedom and democracy”.
“I’m sure this new channel will help strengthen our international reach,” she said.
China has increased diplomatic and military pressure on Taiwan in recent years.
It aims to keep the island’s democracy isolated and has responded with growing anger towards visits by foreign politicians, most recently with a show of force. to protest the trip of US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi in August.
Prime Minister Su Tseng-chang told reporters at the launch: “We have an evil neighbor who regularly threatens us with force … but we are not threatened and life goes on. out normal.
He added: “Freedom, democracy and human rights have made remarkable progress. Many friends around the world want to know how Taiwan has managed it, and Taiwan is ready to let the world know.”
Culture Minister Lee Yung-te said the government hopes TaiwanPlus will be available in the United States in six months.
However, TaiwanPlus will only be available on the island at the moment, limiting its international reach.
Self-governing Taiwan is living under the constant threat of an invasion by China, which claims the island as part of its territory will one day be captured.
Beijing’s state-run media outlets have a growing global footprint, primarily through the television network CGTN and the dominance of social media platforms such as Twitter and YouTube, which are banned in the country.
Officials say TaiwanPlus, which started as a streaming platform last year with government support, will be used in part to counter the China narrative.
Oversaw the launch ceremony on Monday, President Tsai Ing-wen said the 24-hour channel will “bring Taiwan to the international community” as it seeks closer ties with “countries that share our core values of freedom and democracy”.
“I’m sure this new channel will help strengthen our international reach,” she said.
China has increased diplomatic and military pressure on Taiwan in recent years.
It aims to keep the island’s democracy isolated and has responded with growing anger towards visits by foreign politicians, most recently with a show of force. to protest the trip of US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi in August.
Prime Minister Su Tseng-chang told reporters at the launch: “We have an evil neighbor who regularly threatens us with force … but we are not threatened and life goes on. out normal.
He added: “Freedom, democracy and human rights have made remarkable progress. Many friends around the world want to know how Taiwan has managed it, and Taiwan is ready to let the world know.”
Culture Minister Lee Yung-te said the government hopes TaiwanPlus will be available in the United States in six months.
