Ukraine is at war, Taiwan is under pressure – what unites us and why should we get closer?

For many Ukrainians, the very name “Taiwan” is mainly associated with Chinese aggression. Similarly, unfortunately, Ukraine is perceived abroad: only another aggressor and war instead of constant intimidation. The Taiwanese see us differently, in a “European” way — through the lens of heroic resistance, not just the ruins of cities and thousands of mutilated lives. In the Asian region, with the exception of a few countries, such associations are not widespread. And therefore it would be fair to correct the balance and tell Ukraine about Taiwan — because we are closer than it seems.

From geopolitics to radio The key event of the trip was a two-day seminar organized by our partners from Taiwan, DoubleThink Lab. This organization specializes in information countermeasures and information operations analysis. Therefore, during the seminar, I specifically told how the Kremlin turned components of everyday life into weapons.

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Whether it is the field of energy, whether it is a question of language, history, religion or art — all have a strategic purpose. For example, a large-scale disinformation campaign that Ukrainians were allegedly stealing Russian gas in the 2000s and its escalation into gas blackmail eventually led to the annexation of Crimea thanks to the expanded presence of the Black Sea Fleet.

Taiwanese people — and among the audience there were many young people, — listened carefully and asked quite deep questions. Having, to put it mildly, difficult relations with China, as well as a rather specific internal political situation, the Taiwanese understand well the problems that Russia creates for us in the information space. Many of the disinformation narratives we have heard and continue to hear echo among the Taiwanese. For example, if the West leaves Taiwan, China will take it by force, and both women and men will be forced to serve. We know, don’t we?

Moreover, the Taiwanese also feel the manipulation of language, history and religion. They also know that a great power can appropriate or outright steal their culture. And, in the end, even in matters of corruption, China is as consistent as our enemy: corruption seems to justify the inability of both states to exist independently, and the fight against it is “another proof” that a bigger and stronger hand has to rule this territory.

Living under conditions of risk of natural disasters and military aggression, Taiwanese must be ready for a number of challenges and be able to navigate in the moment of crisis. For example, the Taiwanese government distributes manuals on what to do in the event of a tsunami, typhoon, or air raid or occupation. There they teach basic cyber security skills, first aid, where to look for information in the event of a lack of communication, as well as how to resist an aggressor. This is something that, unfortunately, many Ukrainians had to learn directly during the full-scale invasion.

However, even with a wide media campaign, as well as quite visible “Shelter” signs all over Taipei, not all Taiwanese fully understand — do they realize — the extent of the threat and the importance of preparing for it. For example, among the participants of the training there were those who believed that the Internet could be available even during a possible blackout, so why a radio? However, it was on the radio that I learned about the deoccupation of Kherson in November 2022.

Radio is important — and both the old-school battery-powered one and the one that transmits meaning along with music. In the museum of the history of Taiwanese radio (RTI – Radio Taiwan International), this is perhaps best seen, since for years it was RTI that built bridges between Taiwan and mainland China: intelligence, psychological and cultural.

Radio Taiwan of the 1960s-1980s model was quite popular on the mainland despite promoting anti-communist propaganda, mocking PRC officials.

Through him, Taiwan also transmitted encrypted codes to its agents and explained to Chinese pilots how to fly to the island and land a plane on it. And it really worked more than once. For example, Wu Rong-gen, a MiG-19 pilot, dreamed not only of receiving a monetary reward for this operation (which he did!) but also of singing a song with Teresa Teng — perhaps the most popular singer in Asia at the time and, at the same time, the host of the program on the same radio. So, once again we see: culture cannot be outside of politics.

Taiwan and Ukraine: distant geographically and politically, close in spirit By data analytical center “New Europe”, after the invasion of Russia, Taiwan became very active in supporting Ukraine. It is also about humanitarian aid (more than 150 million US dollars from 2022). Funds were provided to finance the reconstruction of cities, medical facilities and energy infrastructure, technological assistance in the modernization of “smart cities”.

Taiwan helps through unofficial and private channels, as well as through the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, because it does not have official diplomatic contacts with Ukraine. Currently, our state adheres to the “one China” principle.

Diplomats are sure that the official recognition of Taiwan can set a precedent, and other states will recognize Crimea as Russian. In addition, Beijing responded to the attempts of other countries to establish official contacts with Taiwan reacts harshly — so recently expressed Japan’s protest over the visit of its parliamentarians to Taipei.

Despite the absence of any — formal or informal communication with our government, Taiwan really wants to work with Ukraine and learn from it. Taiwanese are interested in our military experience, drone technology, challenges to energy sustainability, ways to counter disinformation and influence operations. And, as practice proves, we are closer than it seems. Both Ukrainians and Taiwanese share the values ​​of democracy. We are being attacked: our right to exist is being denied, and our culture and achievements are being appropriated. At least that’s why we should stick together.

Victoria Vyshnivska, senior researcher of the Independent Anti-Corruption Commission (ICAC)

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