Source: Republic of China Taiwan
MOFA response to cancellation of Taiwanese art exhibit in Kazakhstan due to China’s unreasonable interference
September 21, 2025
An exhibition of Taiwanese artists entitled Shifting Grounds: Dissonance, Memory, and Landscape as a Site of Becoming was to have been held at the Kazakh Central State Museum from September 12 through October 1. The exhibit, curated by Wang Chun-chi, was due to feature works by eight Taiwanese artists, including Chen Yung-hsien, and bear the note Taiwan Contemporary Art Exhibition. However, the exhibition was suddenly cancelled and the contract terminated due to unreasonable interference from China, with the museum citing as its reason a monthlong renovation project starting September 11.
Taiwan’s representative office in Russia was informed of this change on September 10 and immediately attempted to negotiate with the museum to have renovations postponed. However, it was told that the exhibit was a temporary addition that had caused a scheduling conflict. The museum apologized for the change.
That a museum would suddenly engage in renovations, cancel an exhibit, and terminate a contract after the artists concerned had already arrived in Kazakhstan is clearly incoherent. There are clear signs of China’s interference. Artistic and cultural exchanges are not political. MOFA strongly condemns China’s crude interference in cultural activities and expresses great regret at the museum’s erroneous decision to succumb to China’s intimidation.
China continues to suppress Taiwan everywhere in the international sphere. MOFA will continue to defend Taiwan’s international space and proactively strengthen cooperation with nations of the world across all areas to increase global support and understanding for Taiwan.