Taiwan Unleashes Its First English‑Language TV Channel to Take Center Stage
Picture this: a bright new TV channel blasting capitalist hope, drama, comedy, and news, all in English—Taiwan’s newest megaphone on the global stage. It’s called TaiwanPlus, and it’s officially on air!
Why This Matters
- China’s got its eye on Taiwan, trying to squeeze every inch of attention the island can grab.
- With TaiwanPlus airing from today, the Republic of China can speak up loud and clear—no more whispering.
- President Tsai Ing‑wen herself gave the launch the full-on presidential vibe, emphasising the need for “freedom and democracy” vibes.
The Official Pitch
President Tsai:
“We’re not just a tiny island; we’re a vibrant pop‑culture hub. The world is taking a keen interest, so we’ve got to give them a front‑row seat to our stories.”
“With TaiwanPlus, we’re sharing the good, the quirky, and the downright heroic aspects of Taiwan with the global audience.”
China’s own English‑language war—it’s an almost “bilingual advertising” of its claim that Taiwan belongs in the next chapter of its narrative. The state channel CGTN is a huge part of that push, especially with the whole “Taiwan is part of China” slogan pushed around the world.
Culture Minister Lee’s Take
He’s a sharp advocate for Taiwan’s voice—calls for a “counter-media” to push the pro‑Taiwan narrative. He said:
“The world should hear the real story. China keeps saying Taiwan belongs to them, and people believe that. We need to counter that narrative. That’s why TaiwanPlus matters.”
“Later on, we’ll roll it out in the United States (within the next six months). That’s next‑level outreach.”
Who Can Watch?
Right now, the channel is only live inside Taiwan, but the buzz is that it will soon be streaming to all English‑speaking crowds abroad—especially the U.S. And if you’ve already been a fan of Taiwanese English media like the Taipei Times, you know the taste for a globally‑viewable story is only getting stronger.
Why It’s a Big Deal
Key points:
- First English‑language TV outlet from Taiwan.
- Backed by the President and designed to strengthen freedom‑and‑democracy ties.
- Set against China’s stealthy media influence.
- Planned U.S. launch within six months.
In short: Taiwanese media is getting louder, sharper, and sleeker—ready to let the world know that the island’s voice isn’t just a background hum.
