President Lai Ching-te congratulated the author and translator of the Booker Prize-winning novel "Taiwan Travelogue" and pledged government support for international literary competitions [1, 2].
The move signals a strategic shift toward using literature and translation as primary tools for cultural diplomacy to increase Taiwan's visibility on the global stage.
During the event, Lai met with author Yang Shuang-zi and translator Lin King [1, 2]. The president sampled various dishes that were described in the novel as part of the celebration [1, 2].
Lai said bringing Taiwanese narratives to a global audience is a strategic necessity. "Translating Taiwanese stories is a type of cultural diplomacy," Lai said [2].
To sustain this momentum, the administration plans to provide more resources for the literary community. Lai said the government will support more authors, translators, and publishers to enter international competitions [1].
The Booker Prize win for "Taiwan Travelogue" provides a high-profile platform for the region's stories. By institutionalizing support for translators and publishers, the government aims to lower the barriers for local writers to reach non-Chinese speaking audiences, a key component of the current cultural strategy [1, 2].
“"Translating Taiwanese stories is a type of cultural diplomacy."”
The Taiwanese government is treating literary success not merely as an artistic achievement, but as a geopolitical asset. By funding the translation and international submission of local works, the administration seeks to build 'soft power' and foster a global identity for Taiwan that exists independently of political friction.
