Taiwan Cultural and Arts Festival in Melbourne Showcases Soft Power

MELBOURNE, May 31 (CNA) - The Taiwan Cultural and Arts Festival was held in Melbourne today, drawing over 5,000 local attendees. Notable guests included Japan's Consul-General in Melbourne, Tokuro Furuya, and Victorian MPs John Pesutto and Renee Heath. The event, co-organized by the Melbourne Hakka Association and international goodwill ambassador candidate Chang Tzu-jung, featured performances, traditional Hakka opera, and Taiwanese street food. Chang emphasized the importance of Hakka culture as a component of Taiwan's diversity. The festival also included interactive booths featuring calligraphy and traditional games. Representative Lu Ming-che noted that the event highlights the success of Taiwan-Australia cultural exchanges and the inclusive spirit of Australia's multicultural society.