Taiwan cultural launch in Paris debuts new book shattering Western stereotypes

Taiwanese cultural content has shone brightly on the international stage in recent years. Through the export of literature and publications, the world has been given a glimpse into Taiwan's unique historical context and contemporary social landscape. Supported by the National Science and Technology Council and implemented by the National Museum of Taiwan Literature, the "Humanities Thousands of Words and Miles Project" recently reached a significant milestone in Paris, France. The prominent local Parisian publishing house hémisphères officially hosted book launch events starting on the fourteenth of this month, releasing three heavyweight book series covering Taiwan's culinary culture, environmental ecology, and economic development. This transnational publishing initiative is not only an important achievement in Taiwan-France cultural exchange, but also carries the core mission of introducing Taiwan's true face to European readers through accessible and engaging writing.

The series of books launched in France accurately captures the diverse and vibrant facets of Taiwanese society. The culinary culture volume outlines the trajectory of the island's immigrant history and ethnic integration through the memories of taste buds and the evolution of local ingredients; the environmental ecology series focuses on sustainable development and nature conservation practices as Taiwan confronts geographical challenges; and the economic development theme explores how Taiwan demonstrates resilient industrial vitality and innovative spirit amidst the cracks of major powers. For European readers, these subjects are both exotic and possess a high degree of academic and practical reference value. Through rigorous translation and localized editing, these works have successfully bridged language and cultural barriers, enabling readers in the French-speaking world to systematically understand the Taiwan experience.

Notably, the French publishing house hémisphères, responsible for issuing this book series, pointed out during the launch event that although many French citizens frequently hear Taiwan's name in their daily lives, considerable ambiguity and misunderstandings still persist regarding the fundamental political, social, and historical differences between Taiwan and China. The head of the publishing house admitted that the Western world is often accustomed to viewing Taiwan within the single framework of Greater China geopolitics, while overlooking the fact that Taiwan has long developed a highly mature democratic system, civil society, and a distinct cultural identity. Therefore, driven by a profound sense of cultural mission, the publisher looks forward to building a bridge toward peace and understanding in Paris through the publication and promotion of this series, allowing French society to understand Taiwan in a more objective and multi-dimensional manner.

The promotion of the "Humanities Thousands of Words and Miles Project" symbolizes the strategic layout long pursued by the Taiwanese government to internationalize the humanities. Support from the National Science and Technology Council has allowed Taiwan's research capacity to connect with top international publishers, while the execution by the National Museum of Taiwan Literature has ensured the literary quality and cultural accuracy of the content. Amidst the current turbulent international situation and the frequent spread of disinformation, cultural diplomacy often penetrates hearts and minds more deeply than hard-power political rhetoric. As the quietest yet most enduring medium of communication, publications can reach intellectuals and the general public in target countries without geographical limits, shaping a favorable international image while establishing solid people-to-people friendships and mutual respect.

With the official launch of these three new books in Paris and the series of related events, this project has taken a successful first step. Moving forward, relevant units expect to hold a greater variety of literary lectures, seminars, and reader meet-and-greets in France to engage directly with local scholars, media, and book lovers. This is not only a successful cultural export, but also a profound exercise in public diplomacy. Through the power of the written word, Taiwan is proving to the world that the island possesses not only formidable technological strength, but also profound humanistic foundations and a sincere attitude of eagerness to dialogue with the world.