Taiwan launched a new 24-hour, English-language television channel on Monday. In attendance at the event were many high-ranking dignitaries, including President Tsai Ing-wen, Premier Su Tseng-chang, Culture Minister Lee Yung-te, as well as a number of diplomats.
TaiwanPlus launched as a digital platform in late August 2021 under the auspices of the Central News Agency. In June this year, the platform was then put under Taiwan’s Public Television Service. It aims to tell stories from Taiwan and to bring Taiwan to international audiences.
President Tsai said in her remarks at the press conference that many developments in Taiwan are worth sharing with the world. She said this can encourage international partners who share Taiwan’s democratic values. The president also said Taiwan is in a unique geostrategic position, so having a way to present the country’s perspective and voices is very important.
Culture minister Lee Yung-te said that many other countries operate English-language television channels to present their perspectives to the world, and Taiwan is about 20 years behind in this respect. He said the authorities plan to make TaiwanPlus available in North America within the next six months.