On July 1, a delegation of scholars from nine Canadian universities visited DSET to engage in discussions on key issues, including the development of Taiwan’s civil society, strategies for countering information operations from China, and cross-sectoral policy collaboration in democratic systems.
Dr. Kaishen Huang, Director of DSET’s Democratic Governance Research, delivered welcome remarks and expressed appreciation for the delegation led by Dr. Sorpong Peou, Professor in the Department of Politics and Public Administration at Toronto Metropolitan University. Dr. Huang noted that DSET had recently concluded a research visit to Canada and is currently co-organizing a joint symposium with Canadian partners on AI governance. He emphasized hopes for further bilateral cooperation between Taiwan and Canada on AI and disinformation policy.
During the meeting, DSET and the delegation held in-depth discussions on Taiwan’s unique challenges in combating disinformation. Canadian scholars raised questions regarding the scale and methods of PRC information operations, especially their use of platforms such as TikTok and local collaborators to amplify influence. Dr. Huang pointed out that disinformation in Taiwan is more complex than in many other countries, as much of it is not only foreign in origin but also deeply embedded through localized production and amplification mechanisms.
DSET visiting scholar Athena Tong added that, as seen in the case of Hong Kong, disinformation narratives do not need to be sophisticated to be effective. Once adapted to local discourse and context, even simple narratives can fuel division and erode social trust. She further warned of the growing risk posed by generative AI when combined with information warfare.
The delegation also expressed concern about the global decline of democracy and the evolving role of Taiwan’s civil society in this context. In response, Dr. Huang emphasized that, despite limited resources, Taiwan’s civil society continues to play a frontline role in defending democratic values. He noted that only through closer integration of academic research, industry collaboration, and policy advocacy can Taiwan build a more systematic response to emerging threats. DSET, he added, is committed to serving as a bridge across these sectors.
Members of the visiting Canadian academic delegation included:
- Dr. Sorpong Peou, Professor, Department of Politics and Public Administration, Toronto Metropolitan University
- Dr. Victor V. Ramraj, Professor of Law and Director of the Centre for Asia Pacific Initiatives (CAPI), University of Victoria
- Ms. Gwenyth Burrows, Assistant Vice President, International Engagement and Impact at University of Toronto
- Dr. Michael Williams, Professor, Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, University of Ottawa
- Dr. Daniel Fried, Associate Professor, Chair of East Asian Studies Department, University of Alberta
- Dr. Robert Hanlon, Director and Principal Investigator of the Canada and the Asia Pacific Policy Project at Thompson Rivers University
- Dr. Alex S. Wilner, Associate Professor, Norman Paterson School of International Affairs, Carleton University
- Dr. Olga Alexeeva, Professor of Chinese History, University of Quebec in Montreal (UQAM)
- Mr. Alexis Rapin, Research Fellow, Raoul-Dandurand Chair of Strategic and Diplomatic Studies, University of Quebec in Montreal
