A number of youth groups from Taiwan are traveling to Central America during their summer vacation to increase cultural understanding between the two sides. A foreign ministry official, Abel Lin, spoke about the purpose of the trips on Thursday.

"[President Ma Ying-jeou] has strongly emphasized the need to develop our soft power," said Lin. "That soft power lies in our youth, in their creativity, multiculturalism and spirit. That's why we've arranged for these Republic of China youth ambassador groups to visit each of our allies in Central America and the Caribbean."

The Republic of China is the official name of Taiwan.

The youth groups will participate in cultural, educational, and volunteer activities. One of the groups will join an event marking the 31st anniversary of the Nicaraguan revolution at the invitation of Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega.