By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Amid the escalating tensions between China and the U.S., Taiwan’s youth are increasingly exposed to pro-China narratives on social media, causing concern about their perceptions of the island’s relationship with China. Podcaster Mindy Huang, through her program Mindi World News, observes a generational divide, with younger Taiwanese less inclined to view China as a threat compared to older generations. A study suggests that pro-Beijing messaging is more prevalent among TikTok users in Taiwan, influencing their views on cross-strait hostilities. Taiwan’s government is working to counter this influence through media literacy campaigns, but faces challenges in competing with the overwhelming reach of Chinese messaging, as younger generations prioritize daily life struggles over geopolitical concerns.
Read the original article here
Young Taiwanese aren’t so anti-China. That’s a problem for the island’s government, and it’s a complex issue that boils down to a few key observations.
First, it’s often about economics. When young people face economic hardship, they naturally begin to question the established political order and seek alternatives. This isn’t unique to Taiwan; it’s a pattern seen globally. In the United States, you have MAGA, in Germany, the AFD, and in Taiwan, a shift towards a more neutral or even positive view of China could be a manifestation of the same underlying frustration. The current democratic system, in many countries, often seems to neglect the needs and aspirations of the young, especially when population growth is stagnant or declining, which leads to policies that don’t favor them. The saying “you don’t know what you got till it’s gone” applies here, as the value of freedom is often only truly appreciated in its absence.
Second, the government’s reliance on an anti-China stance is proving problematic. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) seems to use blaming China as a political tactic, offering little in the way of actual solutions for domestic problems. This narrow focus creates a sense of frustration and disillusionment among young people, especially when the economic realities they face are not being addressed. While the world watches as democratic principles are slowly chipped away, it’s easy to see why some young people are looking elsewhere. The potential for escalating tensions and the fear of conflict only amplify this sense of uncertainty and the desire for a different path.
Third, the perception of China has changed. Young Taiwanese, especially those who grew up with a stronger and more prosperous China, don’t necessarily view it through the same negative lens as older generations. They may have seen economic opportunities in mainland China or feel a natural affinity based on shared cultural roots. The “grass is greener” perspective, particularly when focused on major Chinese cities, can be very appealing, and they see it as a source of job prospects and cultural relevance. It’s tempting to align with a powerful neighbor, especially when the country across the ocean seems to be wavering in its support.
Fourth, there’s a growing sense of distrust in both major global powers. The United States’ behavior, as a potential ally, is seen as less than ideal, with a focus on subservience and economic disadvantage. This, combined with the perception of political infighting and economic stagnation within Taiwan, creates a sense of disillusionment with the status quo. The younger generation recognizes the complex problems of the world and isn’t afraid of differing opinions. It’s more important to not be authoritarian than to be anti-China, and the constant rhetoric against China can get tired quickly.
Fifth, the increasing influence of online propaganda and disinformation campaigns from China is also playing a role. These campaigns, like those Russia has used elsewhere, are designed to sow division and influence public opinion. They’re particularly effective on platforms like Reddit, Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram, where they target young people. Governments need to be proactive in identifying and countering these efforts, as the future of information warfare is now.
Sixth, the economic stagnation and messy political situation in Taiwan are fueling a desire for change. Many young people are skeptical of conscription and view the risks of conflict as outweighing the benefits of the current political alignment. The fear of war is very real, and the current government’s anti-China stance could create more conflict and a general lack of safety. They want to look for stable leadership that is right next door.
Finally, the lack of anti-China sentiment among young Taiwanese is not necessarily a sign of them being “pro-China.” Many may simply be tired of the constant tension and believe that a more pragmatic approach is needed. This nuanced position is often overlooked by the government, which may be more concerned with maintaining its anti-China narrative than understanding the complex feelings of its young citizens. It’s time for the government to realize the dangers of its current path.