Radio Taiwan International and the Association for International Broadcasting have come together to organize a forum on Taiwan in London. On Friday President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) opened the 2022 Taiwan Forum with a pre-recorded speech.
Digital Minister Audrey Tang (唐鳳) also spoke at the event. Tang shared Taiwan’s experience facing online attacks and countering disinformation with humorous content. She says Taiwan faced a number of attacks from hackers following US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit in August. Tang says though no vital information was leaked, that experience raised the public’s consciousness about the importance of internet safety.
Minister Tang says Taiwan is a resilient island. She says the country has many ways to respond to different kinds of attacks. The minister says her ministry’s purpose is to enhance digital resilience and to protect Taiwan’s democracy.
Taiwan Digital Diplomacy Association head Chiayo Kuo (郭家佑) says her organization uses memes and other soft power methods to improve Taiwan’s image in the world. She says the war in Ukraine has demonstrated the importance of the internet in modern conflicts. She hopes digital diplomacy efforts like those from her organization will bring more people to Taiwan’s side.
Meanwhile, RTI Chairperson Cheryl Lai (賴秀如) says Taiwan’s national broadcaster is combining the strength of the government and civil society to lead Taiwan’s participation in international events. She says this shows Taiwan can assume the responsibility of a democratic ally.