Government to Enlist Social Influencers for Digital Diplomacy Efforts
In the digital age, Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs is leveraging technology to promote its democratic values and counter misinformation. This innovative approach, often referred to as digital diplomacy, is a key component of Taiwan's defence of democracy against foreign disinformation and hybrid threats.
The Ministry's YouTube channel, "Trending Taiwan", is a platform for promotional videos, while social media is used to convey its position on issues and respond to international events. Recently, the Ministry invited online influencers from Paraguay, Guatemala, the Czech Republic, and Israel to visit Taiwan, sparking the interest of many people across central and southern America, Europe, and the Middle East. The influencers' posts garnered more than 35 million views in total.
Taiwan's digital diplomacy strategy is rooted in proactive narrative management and technological resilience. The government mobilizes a decentralized approach, using a combination of government agencies, grassroots volunteers, and civil society organizations (CSOs) to sustain these digital campaigns. This strategy has been instrumental in shaping public opinion and countering hostile propaganda, primarily from China.
One of the key figures in this digital diplomacy endeavour is Taiwan's Cyber Ambassador, Audrey Tang. Tang emphasizes citizen co-governance of AI and digital tools to build resilience, reflecting a transparent and participatory approach that enhances public trust and global credibility.
Taiwan's digital diplomacy extends beyond its borders. It is a founding member of the Artificial Intelligence Advisory Group on Elections (AI AGE), where it shares its expertise in combating AI-fueled disinformation. This international cooperation is a testament to Taiwan's growing profile in digital governance and AI ethics.
The strategy has had a significant impact. Taiwan's digital resilience model has become a global blueprint for defending democracy in the digital age. Its rapid response to sophisticated digital attacks and use of AI-based defenses have helped its elections proceed without major interference. Furthermore, the strategy has increased Taiwan's international profile, helping it build partnerships and influence global discussions on election integrity and digital democracy.
In a proactive move to counter diplomatic isolation and hostile economic pressure, Taiwan has successfully promoted its narrative through influencers and cross-platform campaigns. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs launched the "#FindingTaiwan" International Short Film Contest, inviting people to produce a short film about their connection to Taiwan and introduce the nation's excellence. More than 60 films have already been received, and submissions are still being accepted until Aug. 31.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also uses social media platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and Threads for digital diplomacy. The Ministry posts several short clips on social media sharing the achievements of Minister Lin Chia-lung's visits to Palau, Eswatini, and Texas. These videos are then promoted through its other social media accounts.
The Ministry's latest move involves the use of comic images to explain complex issues, such as Taiwan's efforts to join the World Health Assembly. The two comic images posted by the Ministry on social media garnered nearly 4 million views.
As Taiwan continues to push forward with digital diplomacy, it is considering inviting more influencers to visit and promote the nation. This innovative approach to diplomacy exemplifies how a small democracy can leverage technology and participatory governance to counter authoritarian information warfare and promote its identity on the world stage. This model is increasingly studied and emulated by other democracies facing similar digital threats.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is utilizing social media to promote Taiwan's lifestyle, entertainment, and travel experiences, aiming to strengthen its international profile. For instance, the '#FindingTaiwan' International Short Film Contest invites filmmakers to showcase their connection to Taiwan, attracting numerous submissions.
Taiwan's digital diplomacy also includes the use of technology to address complex political issues, such as posting comic images to explain Taiwan's efforts to join the World Health Assembly. These posts have garnered millions of views, demonstrating the power of technology in shaping public opinion and countering hostile propaganda.
