Dr. Pierre Tzu-pao Yang, Taiwan’s deputy minister of culture, was in D.C. this week to discuss the new division of culture. He also sat down with The Diplomat’s Shannon Tiezzi to talk about the importance of Taiwan’s international cultural programs, why culture will be a crucial part of Taiwan’s future – and why he doesn’t like the term “soft power.” The following interview has been edited for length and clarity.

The cultural exchange project "Feel China" to help Mongolians better understand its southern neighbor kicked off Thursday with a show on the charms of China at the National Gallery in the Mongolian capital. Fine pictures, 3D films, Virtual Reality (VR) experiences, a book fair and an interactive performance of Chinese intangible cultural heritage at the show...

Soldiers got the opportunity to visit cultural sites and learn about the unique history of Korea during a two-day cultural trip hosted by the city of Dongducheon, South Korea. [...] “Cultural learning opportunities, events and trips like these provide Ironhorse Solders and Families knowledge about Korean traditions and norms,” said Capt. James Nance, civil affairs officer, 1st BCT. 

A Taiwanese is among 25 musicians from 17 countries and territories selected to participate in an international exchange program organized by the U.S. State Department to promote musical collaboration and people-to-people exchanges, the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) said Thursday.

This week Harlem will be infused with Cuban culture in the form of concerts, Cuban food tastings and fashion shows. The inaugural Harlem/Havana Cultural Exchange kicked off Sunday with a two-hour performance at the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine, but the exchange will hit up various neighborhood institutions throughout the next week.

The culture industry is not only a money-spinner for a country, but is possibly a major sector that boosts the economy. Bùi Hoài Sơn, deputy head of the Việt Nam Institute of Culture and Arts Studies (VICAS), said this, while speaking about the development of the culture industry in Việt Nam in recent years.

Her home country of Mexico has a booming tourist industry, and Castellanos noticed that tourists, staying in hotels, had limited interaction with the culture. She started a business that would bring the work of Mexican artisans to international tourists. Mexikatekatl is a social enterprise that connects the local artisans to larger businesses that buy and sell their goods. As Mexikatekatl provides artisans with a stable income, it preserves Mexico’s unique cultural history.

Wodonga Senior Secondary College’s multicultural peer support students will hold a cultural exchange fundraiser night in Tawonga [...] Organised by students from a variety of backgrounds, all are welcome to come and delve into the students’ culture through food, music and dance. Donations received from the community will go towards Jan Fallon's fundraiser for the Tumaini Miles of Smiles Orphanage in Kenya.