Taiwan launches English-language TV channel to strengthen international influence

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TAIPEI—Taiwan launched its first English-language news, lifestyle and entertainment TV channel on Monday at a time when the Chinese government seeks to squeeze its footprint and claim sovereignty over the island.

Government-backed TaiwanPlus launched last year, primarily as an online streaming platform, with strong support from President Tsai Ing-wen.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Tsai said the channel had already raised Taiwan’s international profile and would help the island further deepen its ties with “a country that shares core values ​​of freedom and democracy.” Told.

“Taiwan’s story should be shared with the world,” she said. “With more and more people around the world taking an interest in Taiwan, it is more important than ever to have a platform to introduce Taiwan to the international community.”

The Chinese regime, which claims democratically ruled Taiwan as its territory, has been increasingly active in the English-language media, voicing the views of the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP), particularly on the state-run English-language news channel China Global. We communicate to external audiences through Television. network, or CGTN.

The CCP has also put pressure on Taiwan’s international space, such as forcing foreign companies to mention that they are part of China on their websites and conducting regular military exercises near the island. I’m calling

Culture Minister Lee Yung-te told reporters that Taiwan needs to fight what the Chinese Communist Party says about the island and allow Taiwanese perspectives to be eliminated.

“Internationally, our voices are not being heard enough. China is constantly promoting that Taiwan is part of China, and many believe it. When I tell them, they ask, “Why?” Lee added. “In the future, we will use Taiwan’s own media to explain to the international community why this is not the case.”

The TV channel is currently only available in Taiwan, but Lee said he hopes to launch it in the US within the next six months.

Reuters

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