Bamboo has long been an unassuming yet indispensable part of everyday life in Taiwan. Across the mid- and low-latitude regions of Asia, no matter where you come from or what cultural influences you carry, bamboo products have always found their place in daily living.

Remarkably, Taiwan’s bamboo industry once rose to international prominence. From the United States to Japan, buyers specifically sought out Taiwanese bamboo goods, earning the island the well-deserved title of the “Bamboo Kingdom.”

Behind this period of glory, however, lay more than just favorable industrial policies. Taiwan’s diplomatic ambitions and international needs were deeply intertwined with the development of its bamboo trade. What, then, propelled Taiwan to become the “Bamboo Kingdom”? And how did bamboo become an unexpected player in the realm of diplomacy? This article unfolds the story.

Bamboo Diplomacy Abroad: The Rise and Fall of Taiwan’s Bamboo Kingdom

Source：Forestry Research Newsletter