In a year marked by both cultural celebration and political turbulence, Taiwan has found itself at the center of attention in Europe and at home. From the galleries of Prague to the halls of the Holy See, Taiwanese culture has taken center stage, while the island’s political landscape simmers with the announcement of an impeachment plan against its leader, Lai Ching-te.
On December 20, 2025, Eric Huang, head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Department of European Affairs, spoke with pride about the "Taiwan Culture in Europe 2025" initiative. According to CNA, Huang described how the campaign, launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and the National Palace Museum, has “showcased Taiwan’s freedom, openness, and diversity” through a series of ambitious cultural events across Europe. The initiative, which began earlier this year, has already hosted more than 70 art festivals, music fairs, dance, and singing performances in 26 European countries—a remarkable feat for a nation often sidelined in international forums.
Among the highlights was the National Palace Museum’s exhibition, "100 Treasures, 100 Stories: Treasures from the National Palace Museum," held in the Czech Republic. This event was particularly notable, as it marked the first overseas showing of the museum’s most iconic artifact, the Jadeite Cabbage, since 2014. The National Palace Museum, renowned for its vast collection chronicling thousands of years of Chinese history, also staged a separate exhibition in Paris in November, exploring the cultural and historical significance of dragons across Asia. These shows, Huang said, are more than just displays; they are bridges that connect Taiwan and Europe, fostering mutual understanding through art and heritage.
“The goal of the year-round campaign is to link Taiwan and Europe further via culture and art,” Huang explained, emphasizing that “culture is a shared language that transcends borders.” He went on to describe the essence of Taiwanese culture as “openness, diversity, depth, and vitality.” According to Huang, it is only by embracing democracy, freedom, and human rights that Taiwan has been able to nurture such a creative and diversified culture. “Only by embracing democracy, freedom, and human rights has Taiwan been able to give birth to such a creative and diversified culture,” he told CNA.
One artist whose work encapsulates Taiwan’s unique cultural fusion is Xie Sheng-min. In September, Xie was invited by MOFA to stage a woodblock printmaking exhibition in the Holy See—Taiwan’s only diplomatic ally in Europe. Xie’s background is a microcosm of Taiwan’s diverse heritage: born and raised in a Catholic family, he grew up near the Chaotian Temple in Yunlin County’s Beigang Township, a center of Taoist goddess Mazu worship. As a result, his art blends elements of Catholicism and traditional Taiwanese beliefs, “exemplifying the spirit of peace and freedom,” Huang noted.
But the campaign hasn’t stopped at visual arts. The U-Theatre performing arts group, famous for its blend of theater, drumming, and a touch of traditional Japanese culture, performed in Italy in September as part of the initiative. Their shows, according to Huang, are another example of how Taiwan’s cultural diplomacy is “bringing Taiwan and Europe closer.”
This surge in cultural engagement has had political ripple effects as well. Huang revealed that these efforts helped pave the way for Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung’s visits to several European countries, including the Czech Republic, Italy, and Austria. Such trips are rare, given that most European nations do not have official diplomatic ties with Taiwan. The cultural outreach, therefore, has served as a form of “soft diplomacy,” opening doors that might otherwise remain closed.
Looking ahead, Huang shared plans for the coming year. One of the highlights for 2026 will be an exchange between Taiwanese hand puppet groups and their European counterparts. This initiative aims to foster even deeper cultural connections and share Taiwan’s vibrant performance art traditions with new audiences.
While Taiwan’s cultural ambassadors have been forging new bonds abroad, the island’s domestic politics have taken a dramatic turn. On December 19, 2025, opposition lawmakers from the Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) and the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) announced their intention to impeach Taiwan’s leader, Lai Ching-te. According to Xinhua News Agency, the announcement came during a press conference in Taipei, signaling a new phase of political contention on the island.
The impeachment plan, unveiled just as Taiwan was basking in the glow of its cultural achievements in Europe, underscores the complexities of the island’s political environment. While the details of the impeachment effort have yet to be fully revealed, the move by opposition lawmakers reflects ongoing tensions between the ruling administration and its critics. The KMT and TPP, both significant players in Taiwan’s multiparty democracy, have often clashed with the government over issues ranging from cross-strait relations to domestic reforms.
This political development comes at a time when Taiwan is striving to raise its profile on the international stage, particularly through cultural diplomacy. The contrast is striking: as Taiwan’s artists and performers win hearts in Europe, its politicians at home are locked in a high-stakes battle for the future of the island’s leadership.
Observers note that such political drama is not uncommon in Taiwan’s vibrant democracy. The island has, over the past decades, built a reputation for robust debate and peaceful transitions of power. Yet the timing of this impeachment announcement—coinciding with the success of the "Taiwan Culture in Europe 2025" initiative—raises questions about how domestic politics might impact Taiwan’s international image and its ongoing efforts to build bridges abroad.
Despite the political uncertainty, Taiwan’s cultural campaign in Europe continues to win praise. The exhibitions, performances, and exchanges have not only showcased the island’s artistic talents but have also communicated its core values of freedom, openness, and diversity. As Eric Huang put it, “Culture is a shared language that transcends borders,” and nowhere has this been more evident than in the enthusiastic reception Taiwanese artists and performers have received across Europe.
As 2025 draws to a close, Taiwan finds itself at a crossroads—celebrated for its cultural vibrancy abroad, yet facing fresh political challenges at home. The coming year promises further exchanges, new artistic collaborations, and, no doubt, more political drama. But if recent months are any indication, Taiwan’s commitment to openness, creativity, and engagement—both at home and overseas—remains as strong as ever.
