The Institute of China Studies hosted the Across Straight Forum on Peaceful Development at SG319 on Oct 23. The Deputy Director of the Institute of Taiwan Studies, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Wei-dong Zhu and 5 others came to exchange academic ideas with three TKU professors, 52 graduate students and some China-related exchange students led by the Director of the Graduate Institute of China Studies, Wu-Ueh Chang.

The Forum focused on ECFA signing, cultural exchanges, Chinese students coming to Taiwan, political and economic issues at different levels, as well as the role that the US plays in the triangle relationship. The Forum simultaneously carried on an opinion poll which showed that many students believed that the exchanges between the two sides were just right, hoping both sides would keep the status-quo and it was necessary to sign the ECFA. TKU China Studies junior Cheng-jun Liu said that there were many misunderstandings between the two sides because of sensitive political issues. The Forum helped deepen understandings. Prof. Wu-Ueh Chang said, “Economic and cultural exchanges and dialogues could help both sides with peaceful development, avoiding direct political confrontations.” ( ~Dean X. Wang )