The Graduate Institute of China Studies hosted the symposium “Peaceful Development of Relations across the Strait—Opportunities and Challenges.” With 3 others, Song-ling Zhu, Deputy Director of the Institute of Economics, College of Taiwan Studies, Beijing Union University came to have academic exchange with Wu-ueh Chang, Chair of the Graduate Institute of China Studies and several other TKU professors as well as about 50 graduate students.

During the symposium, both sides discussed the space of Taiwan’s international activities and national consciousness and ideology. Professor I-hsin Chen of TKU’s Graduate Institute of the Americas believed that political disputes should be put aside and Taiwan should be allowed to join international organizations. Associate Professor Jiann-jong Guo of China Studies also hoped that the Mainland could release some international space for Taiwan, as Hong Kong used to be treated as an independent entity. Hsing-tse Chen, Deputy Director of the Institute of Relations across the Strait, College of Taiwan Studies, Beijing Union University hoped that both sides should try to surpass hostility and create a win-win situation with a cooperative way of thinking and mutual trust. When the current hot issues of Rebiya Kadeer’s documentary film and Dalai Lama’s visit came up, the discussion was excitedly warmed up. Director Wu-ueh Chang hoped that both sides could have more economic and academic exchanges and development should be peaceful. ( ~Dean X. Wang )