Delineating the Shaping of Asian Milk Tea Alliance: How Taiwan Enlightens Democracy through Activist Networking?

Abstract

Amid the democratic crisis in Asia, the Milk Tea Alliance emerged as a youth-led transnational movement advocating for democracy. It involved groups of young netizens from Thailand, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, and became a symbol of democratic solidarity both within and beyond the region. The dynamics of the Milk Tea Alliance demonstrate that prodemocracy activists are increasingly connected through online social networks, which have facilitated their transition into offline engagement, such as protests and advocacy activities. In this context, cyberspace has served as a critical platform for pro-democracy activists to communicate, coordinate, and mobilize against authoritarian regimes. Furthermore, young activists have leveraged online communities to garner global attention, mobilizing netizens worldwide to raise awareness and support civil society efforts in opposition to authoritarianism. This article examines the formation of the Milk Tea Alliance by highlighting Taiwan’s role and how its experience as a beacon of democracy in Asia has contributed to the development of democratic solidarity in Southeast Asia. Additionally, it argues that Taiwan’s leadership in shaping the Milk Tea Alliance will foster the development of a new identity for Taiwan within Southeast Asian societies.