Bloomberg News
Date: November 1, 2020
By: Chris Horton, Bloomberg News

(Bloomberg) — In the battle for public opinion between China and Taiwan, Beijing has many advantages over its neighbor: the ability to leverage the world’s second-largest economy, an influential diplomatic corps and vast resources.

Diplomatically isolated, the democratic island of Taiwan has amplified its message and pushed back against Chinese propaganda with one of the few things Beijing doesn’t have many of -– high-profile women taking the lead in defending the government’s interests.

Hsiao Bi-khim is on the front line of that effort in the U.S., Taiwan’s most important strategic partner. Taipei’s representative — and de facto ambassador — to Washington, Hsiao has wasted little time in pushing for stronger American ties since she arrived in Washington this past summer.

Taiwan’s first female president, Tsai Ing-wen, is leading a diverse group of women holding key positions in the government, aiming to raise its international profile at a time when China is attempting to block its neighbor from the global conversation –- and warning of a possible invasion. The women running Taiwan are looking to boost a soft-power edge over Beijing and promote an inclusive democratic system.    [FULL  STORY]