【Article by Chinese Language Center 】

On November 13, the Overseas Mandarin Center under the UAAT-ICU Program (University Academic Alliance in Taiwan- Interested Czech University) hosted a special lecture at Charles University in Prague, Taiwan’s sister institution in the Czech Republic. The event featured Ambassador Li-Kuo Chen, Taiwan’s Representative to the Czech Republic, who spoke on the topic: ‘Taiwan’s Cultural and Diplomatic Values – Insights from 30 Years of Diplomatic Service.’

The lecture was followed by an in-depth discussion with Professor Jacob F. Tischer of Charles University’s Department of Sinology and Jana Václavíková, a journalist from Czech Radio iRozhlas. Topics included Taiwan’s value-based diplomacy, pragmatic engagement, promotion of democratic principles, cultural and artistic exchange, and academic cooperation. The dialogue also explored how Taiwan navigates a rapidly changing diplomatic landscape to foster peaceful participation and create multi-layered opportunities for international collaboration.

Ambassador Chen emphasized that Taiwan has evolved its diplomatic approach from ‘Value Diplomacy’ to ‘Value-Added Diplomacy.’ This strategy not only involves government-led initiatives with like-minded partners focusing on sustainability and capacity building but also leverages private-sector expertise to share Taiwan’s dynamic potential and innovative strengths with international allies. He further highlighted cultural exchange as a vital expression of Taiwan’s soft power and reaffirmed Taiwan’s commitment to promoting Mandarin education as a means of enhancing linguistic and cultural ties worldwide.

Oversea Mandarin Center Director Chien Chia-Hung stated that the primary goal of organizing this lecture was to deepen Czech audiences’ understanding of Taiwan and strengthen bilateral friendship. She stressed that Mandarin is more than a language—it is a key to opening hearts and fostering cultural curiosity and recognition. Such exchanges serve as a crucial bridge for cooperation and mutual development between Taiwan and the Czech Republic.

Mr. Wei-Ting Pan, the Chinese lecturer recently recommended by National Chengchi University to teach at Charles University’s Sinology Department, Pan also remarked that the lecture showcased Taiwan’s soft power, which he plans to integrate into language teaching and classroom discussions on contemporary issues to broaden students’ global perspectives.

The lecture attracted nearly 100 attendees, including faculty and students from Czech universities, Taiwanese students studying in the Czech Republic, and individuals interested in Taiwan-related topics. During the Q&A session, participants actively engaged in discussions on Taiwan’s international image and future directions for Taiwan-Czech cooperation. Ambassador Chen encouraged everyone to act as ‘diplomats,’ whether in government or civil society, to promote democratic values and maximize Taiwan’s soft power diplomacy. Looking ahead, Taiwan-Czech exchanges are expected to grow increasingly robust, fostering diverse and multi-level cooperation in the international arena. Ambassador Chen expressed strong confidence in Taiwan’s corporate resilience and technological advancement and pledged to continue promoting collaborative efforts across sectors. The UAAT-ICU Overseas Mandarin Center will persist in organizing cultural and language initiatives to deepen Taiwan-Czech ties and advance mutual prosperity.