Radio Taiwan International (RTI) and the Association for International Broadcasting (AIB) came together to organize a forum on Taiwan in London on Friday.
Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen opened the Forum with a pre-recorded speech.
She said the spread of authoritarianism, false information, and the suppression of media freedom have placed an unprecedented burden on journalists. Tsai said the AIB nominations reflect the many challenges facing the world today, from the COVID-19 pandemic to the Ukraine War. The president said everyone must work together to defend press freedom and make society more resilient to authoritarian influence.
Tsai said that Taiwan has established a new Ministry of Digital Affairs to further enhance media literacy and improve national information security. She is pleased to see government measures to strengthen transparency, fact-checking, and media participation bringing tangible help to the public. The president said she is glad to see discussions of topics related to Taiwan being held at the AIB event.
Tsai noted that Taiwan has a vibrant media environment and is rated by Reporters Without Borders as one of the freest countries in Asia. She said she hopes to see more and more international media stationed in Taiwan.
Digital Minister Audrey Tang also spoke at the event. Tang shared Taiwan’s experience facing online attacks and countering disinformation with humorous content. She said Taiwan is a resilient island and the country has many ways to respond to different kinds of attacks. Her ministry’s purpose is to enhance digital resilience and to protect Taiwan’s democracy.
Taiwan Digital Diplomacy Association head Chiayo Kuo said her organization uses memes and other soft power methods to improve Taiwan’s image in the world. She said the war in Ukraine has demonstrated the importance of the internet in modern conflicts. She hoped that digital diplomacy efforts like those from her organization will bring more people to Taiwan’s side.
RTI Chairperson Cheryl Lai said Taiwan’s national broadcaster is combining the strength of the government and civil society to lead Taiwan’s participation in international events.