Taiwan is leveraging Mandarin as a soft power tool, having established 88 Mandarin learning centers across Europe and the US since 2021. These centers, known as Taiwan Centres For Mandarin Learning (TCML), offer Mandarin education with "Taiwanese characteristics," incorporating local terminology like "jieyun" (for MRT) instead of mainland China's "ditie." Reading exercises can focus on Taiwanese night markets, and writing utilizes traditional Chinese characters, contrasting with the simplified script favored across the Strait. The program, which has reportedly cost an estimated NT$541 million (S$23.1 million) so far, aims to bolster cultural diplomacy and fill the void left by declining Chinese Confucius Institutes in the West.

This expansion, set to include new centers in Australia, Canada, Japan, and New Zealand in 2026, comes amidst increasing military and diplomatic pressure from Beijing. Taiwan's Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming-chi has stated that Mandarin language exchanges have "brought Taiwan to the world and the world to Taiwan," positioning it as one of the island's most effective diplomatic tools. The centers are strategically placed in countries with democratic norms, seen as conducive to cultivating goodwill and political support for Taiwan.

While this initiative aims to promote Taiwan's democratic identity, challenges remain. Many international students prefer learning mainland China's Mandarin version due to perceived academic and career advantages, partly because most countries' education systems teach "putonghua" with simplified characters. Despite this, Taiwan's strategy of highlighting its unique cultural features, including traditional characters, presents a valuable alternative and expands its soft power outreach.

Regional Perspective

Taiwan is employing its distinct Mandarin language, traditional characters, and local culture to enhance its soft power in Europe and the US. This move aims to bolster its democratic identity and differentiate itself from mainland China, particularly amid rising cross-strait tensions. The establishment of 88 Mandarin learning centers since 2021, with plans to expand into Australia, Canada, Japan, and New Zealand by 2026, reflects a deliberate strategy to increase cultural and diplomatic influence.

Immediate Implications

Opportunities to learn Taiwan-specific Mandarin, emphasizing traditional characters and local culture, are expanding.
Companies and academic institutions looking to broaden their reach in the Chinese-speaking market may benefit from partnerships with these emerging centers.
Taiwan faces a challenge in encouraging learners to favor its Mandarin version over the mainland Chinese one, largely due to career and academic considerations.

Analysis

The Taiwan Centres For Mandarin Learning (TCML) program represents an innovative soft power strategy, utilizing language as a diplomatic instrument. By offering a distinct Mandarin version, Taiwan seeks to promote its democratic values and distinguish itself from China. However, the program's long-term success will hinge on its ability to compete with China's economic and cultural influence, as well as the appeal of its linguistic offering to international students who may favor the more prevalent version.