Taiwan’s Sports Diplomacy: Expanding Nation Branding Beyond Politics and Technology

Taiwan’s unique position in the international community presents a challenging environment for Taipei to build and sustain relations with other countries. In response to these constraints, Taiwan has developed several innovative approaches to enhance its international image, strengthen its global presence, and deepen connections with like-minded partners. Among these efforts, sports diplomacy, a form of informal diplomacy, has been increasingly valued by Taipei in recent years. The establishment of the Ministry of Sports (MOS) reflects this ongoing trend and Taipei’s intent to leverage sports for diplomatic purposes. This issue brief examines Taiwan’s nation-branding strategies, traces the evolution of its sports diplomacy, and evaluates the opportunities and constraints associated with the creation of the MOS.