TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A documentary chronicling Taiwan's struggle for international recognition premiered to enthusiastic audiences on Friday (June 13), with the island's former president lending her powerful endorsement. "Invisible Nation" (看不見的國家), a film exploring Taiwan's complex geopolitical position, opened in theaters nationwide as former President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) urged citizens via Facebook to experience what she described as Taiwan's emergence from diplomatic obscurity to global relevance despite China's ongoing efforts to isolate the self-governed democracy.
In her social media message, the former president credited Taiwan's growing international visibility to its unwavering democratic principles, embrace of social diversity, and technological innovation that has transformed the island into a semiconductor manufacturing powerhouse. Tsai, who led Taiwan through eight years of increasing tensions with Beijing until stepping down last month, expressed gratitude to American director Vanessa Hope (葛靜文) for crafting what she called an authentic portrayal of Taiwan's distinctive national narrative. The documentary, filmed during the final years of Tsai's presidency, presents Taiwan as a resilient democracy that has defied expectations by refusing to fade into diplomatic irrelevance.
The former leader, who navigated Taiwan through increasing international isolation campaigns orchestrated by Beijing, reframed the concept of invisibility as a testament to the Taiwanese people's determination. This invisibility has instead revealed the courage and democratic resilience of the Taiwanese people, she explained, expressing gratitude to citizens for their collective efforts during her two terms in office from 2016 to 2024. Tsai concluded her message with a call for national unity as Taiwan faces an increasingly complex geopolitical environment, urging both the current administration and the public to maintain the steady progress that has characterized Taiwan's development despite persistent external pressures. ◼