When Taiwan opened its universities to mainland Chinese students two years ago, many in the Taipei government hoped the move might help the small democracy influence its authoritarian neighbour.

Many of the hundreds of mainland students who have since arrived say their studies have been an eye-opening look at how democracy and an open civil dialogue can work in a Chinese society. But Taiwan’s anxiety over its growing economic dependence on China, which has never relinquished its claim to the island, is hampering its soft power push, say students and academics.

“Taiwan should be confident about an open-door policy towards Chinese students but our government?.?.?.?is afraid of opening the door,” says Yang Ching-Yao, a professor who studies educational exchanges.