Taiwan Leveraging Its Version of Chinese as Soft Power Tool

Its Language Centres in Europe and the US Aim to Promote Cultural Diplomacy

- Yip Wai Yee

TAIPEI - How do you say "MRT" in Mandarin? In this particular Chinese language class, the correct answer is "jieyun" - a Taiwan-specific term - and not "ditie", which is used in mainland China.

Reading comprehension exercises here can be about Taiwan's night markets, with references to stinky tofu and bubble tea; and writing is done in traditional Chinese characters instead of the simplified characters preferred across the Taiwan Strait.

Finally, students might be prompted to practise saying where they are from with the following phrase: "Wo shi tai wan ren, ni ne?" - I am Taiwanese, how about you?

The scenes described above provide a snapshot of what lessons are like at a Taiwan Centre For Mandarin Learning (TCML) - the Taiwan government-funded overseas learning centres which, as they admit, offer Mandarin education with "Taiwanese characteristics".

Since their introduction in 2021, Taiwan's Overseas Community Affairs Council has set up 88 centres across Europe and the US, in major cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, London and Paris, as part of Taiwan's efforts to use Mandarin to promote cultural diplomacy.

These centres are typically established within existing language schools or community associations, which receive Taiwan government funding and resources to cover operating expenses.

An estimated NT$541 million (S$23.1 million) so far has been spent to fund the programme.

The programme is set to significantly extend its reach: In 2026, new centres will be established in Australia, Canada, Japan and New Zealand.

Dr Elaine Chung, a Chinese studies lecturer at Cardiff University in the UK, told The Straits Times that it was unsurprising Taipei had selected those countries to set up language centres.