Taiwan Culture Minister Li Yuan emphasized the rising global recognition of Taiwanese literature at the “Taiwanese Literature Through a Global Gaze” forum at King’s College London. He discussed the diverse perspectives explored by Taiwanese writers, including themes of ecology, history, Indigenous identity, and queer literature. The recent success of “Taiwan Travelogue,” which won the 2026 International Booker Prize, exemplifies this trend and highlights Taiwan’s visibility in the literary world.
Natasha Brown, chair of the judging panel, noted the engaging translation of the book, which made it accessible to English readers. Li reflected on the complexities of Taiwanese identity and the ongoing dialogue necessary to address related tensions. The forum attracted over 100 attendees, including poet John McAuliffe. Additionally, Li visited the Victoria and Albert Museum, praising its innovative approach to museum accessibility. His European trip includes a stop in France before returning to Taiwan.
