Amid the escalating competition between China and the United States, many Taiwanese have sought guidance from podcaster Mindy Huang, who has become a trusted figure for navigating complex global issues.
At the age of 36, Huang connects with over 80,000 listeners weekly on her podcast, “Mindi World News,” delving into geopolitics and Taiwan’s intricate relationship with China. Through this interaction, she has gained valuable insights into the perspectives of her audience.
Expressing her observations, Huang shared with CBC News in Taipei that most Taiwanese identify themselves as Taiwanese and view their nation as independent from China. However, she noted a willingness among the youth, particularly those below 18, to foster closer ties with China.
Although China considers Taiwan a rebellious province and has expressed intentions to regain control forcefully, Huang and others highlight a prevalent pro-China narrative on social media that resonates more with Taiwan’s younger population than the potential threats posed by China.
Internally, Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party leans towards independence but has refrained from provocative actions in that direction. On the other hand, the opposition Kuomintang is perceived as more amenable to dialogue with China, primarily attracting an older demographic.
These internal divisions have gained significance, especially among the younger generation in Taiwan. Efforts to win over the hearts and minds of the youth form a crucial aspect of Taiwan’s strategy to bolster resilience against Chinese influence and enhance its global standing.
Huang emphasized that younger Taiwanese do not perceive China as a significant threat compared to slightly older generations. She noted that social media platforms portray a favorable image of China, prompting questions among teenagers about the necessity of adversarial relations between the two nations.
Taiwan has been facing frequent military provocations from China, including naval and aerial activities near the island, along with a substantial buildup of armaments on the mainland. In response, Taiwan aims to leverage its economic success in advanced technology to bolster its diplomatic standing and counter Chinese influence.
The influence of China’s “grey zone” strategies, characterized by non-physical hostile actions, has been a subject of scrutiny, particularly concerning Chinese-owned platforms like TikTok. Studies have shown a higher inclination towards pro-Beijing narratives among TikTok users in Taiwan, indicating the effectiveness of China’s social media efforts.
Taiwanese political analyst Ronan Fu highlighted China’s endeavors to disseminate anti-democracy messages and weaken support for independence through social media, potentially impacting Taiwan’s defense preparations. He noted a sense of “threat fatigue” among the youth, attributing it to the prolonged existence of perceived threats that have not materialized.
The historical Cold War between China and Taiwan, dating back to 1949 when the Republic of China retreated to the island after defeat by Communist forces, continues to shape the geopolitical landscape in the region.
In conversations with teenagers and college students in Taipei, sentiments varied regarding the potential threat from China. While some expressed minimal concern, citing global attention towards Taiwan’s technological achievements, others remained cautious, recognizing the complexities of the geopolitical situation.
Vice-President Hsiao Bi-khim of Taiwan acknowledged the challenges posed by China’s social media campaigns and disinformation tactics, emphasizing the need for media literacy campaigns and international cooperation to combat such influence operations.
Despite the substantial efforts, Huang emphasized the uphill battle faced by Taiwan’s government in countering Chinese messaging, especially with younger generations more focused on daily struggles than geopolitical concerns. She continues to advocate for preparedness against a possible attack from China, echoing concerns shared by Chinese leadership.
As Taiwan navigates internal divisions and external pressures, the generational divide in perceptions towards China’s influence and Taiwan’s sovereignty remains a critical aspect of the evolving geopolitical landscape.
