Soft Power as a Perspective for Taiwan’s New Southbound Policy

Abstract

Taiwan, being a small country with a distinctive geopolitical position and a complicated connection with the Mainland, places significant importance on the utilization of soft power as a means to enhance its influence both regionally and globally. Since 2016, under the leadership of Tsai Ing-wen, Taiwan's New Southbound Policy (NSP) has presented fresh opportunities for enhancing its collaborative ties with target nations. This initiative reflects Taiwan's aspirations to establish a reputable presence and effectively project its influence within the region, thereby showcasing its capabilities on an international level. From the perspective of soft power, the NSP is regarded as an important endeavor undertaken by the Tsai government to strengthen Taiwan's worldwide presence and promote its ideals at both regional and global levels. In addition to the initial accomplishments attained subsequent to the implementation of the policy, Taiwan is confronted with numerous challenges that necessitate the government to engage in strategic calculations in order to strike a balance between its interests and the policy’s objectives.