Nov
4
An Historic Day - For the Chinese
Filed Under China, Taiwan | 5800 Comments
While the world had its eyes peeled to the US election, riveted by the yearlong drama finally coming to a close, November 4, 2008 will be remembered for something else in Chinese history.
For the first time since 1950, direct air, shipping and mail links will be established between Taiwan and mainland China. The agreement came […]
Oct
30
Taiwan Needs a Serious Opposition Party
Filed Under 2008 Taiwan Election, China, Taiwan | 1183 Comments
If physically assaulting a visiting dignitary is proof of a vibrant democracy, then please, bring back Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek!
This can’t be all that Taiwan has to show for being Asia’s freest society.
With another Chinese delegation scheduled to visit next Monday, topic No. 1 on everyone’s mind is whether they will receive proper protection. A protest […]
Apr
28
Ordinary Man, Extraordinary Life (Part II)
Filed Under China, Taiwan | 5213 Comments
(Continued from Part I)
By 1986, Mr. Chi had indications that there might soon be a way for him to at least get in contact with the remnants of his family, if not reuniting with them. Through intermediaries, he was able to receive and send letters to his two now adult daughters. It was from the […]
Apr
24
Ordinary Man, Extraordinary Life
Filed Under China, Taiwan | 777 Comments
Chi Xia-Sheng （漆俠生）passed away on April 22, 2008, in his native Yifeng, Jiangxi, China. He was 96. I can think of few lives that symbolized the heroic struggles and monumental changes that took place in China over the century more than Mr. Chi’s.
His story is one that I know intimately well. He was my great […]
Mar
25
A New Day in Taiwan
Filed Under 2008 Taiwan Election, China, Taiwan | 1704 Comments
Ma Ying-Jeou’s resounding victory in Saturday’s presidential election will usher in a new age in East Asia. Stability, the spirit of cooperation and perhaps, a sustainable peace, may finally find their place in the long troubled waters of the Taiwan Strait.
For that, we should thank Taiwan’s incredibly astute voters. Despite much speculation and media hand-wringing, […]