FM hails Taiwan's cultural diplomacy, role in preserving Chinese heritage

Prague, Sept. 15 (CNA) The ongoing "Taiwan Culture in Europe 2025" campaign shows Taiwan's ability to engage the world through culture and highlights its role in preserving key elements of Chinese heritage, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) said in a recent interview.

Jointly organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Culture, the campaign features more than 70 cultural events across 26 countries, including an exhibition of the National Palace Museum's (NPM) treasures, such as the iconic Jadeite Cabbage with Insects.

It also included two "Formosa Roadside Wedding Banquet" concerts by Taiwan's National Chinese Orchestra on Friday and Saturday at the Czech Museum of Music, combining orchestral music with elements of traditional Taiwanese banquets.

"The treasures at the NPM are not relics of the past; they belong to the present and to all humankind as part of civilization," Lin told CNA in Prague on Friday, in response to online claims that China is the rightful owner of the museum's collection.

He noted that while the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) destroyed many artifacts during the Cultural Revolution, the NPM has safeguarded some of the most significant pieces of Chinese cultural heritage.

In response to accusations from China's Taiwan Affairs Office that the exhibition in the Czech Republic was an act of "desinicization" and an attempt to promote "Taiwan independence through culture," Lin said such remarks only revealed Beijing's insecurities.

Lin said the CCP's adherence to Marxism and Maoism drives its suppression of differences and its attempts to monopolize Chinese culture.

"Ironically, under [the CCP's] rule, Chinese culture is dead, but when it takes root abroad, it often flourishes with new vitality," Lin said, adding that this remains a challenge for China in promoting its culture internationally.

"Taiwan makes friends through culture, whereas China treats everything as subordinate to politics," Lin said.

He also thanked the Czech government for ensuring freedom in cultural exchanges.

"I believe that after this event, the CCP will see that politics does not dictate exchanges in culture, the economy, or technology," he said.

Commenting on the campaign's significance, Lin described Europe as a cultural epicenter and the birthplace of the Renaissance. He added that Taiwan and European nations are like-minded democracies, which makes cultural exchanges more "natural and at ease."

Asked whether the campaign should return to Europe next year, Lin said it should, noting the "very positive" responses.