A Symposium sponsored by Center for International Affairs and National Security, TKU, was concluded on May 3.

Pres. Chang Horng-jinh indicated in the opening ceremony that this is the first time TKU has invited distinguished scholars from Hong Kong to offer their opinions and feedbacks on this issue. Also, this is the first time that TKU has held such an activity together with Asia Center, Hong Kong University and Research Institute of Hong Kong Policies.

The Symposium essentially deals with the tripartite relationship between Hong Kong, Mainland China and Taiwan. The success enjoyed by Hong Kong in international trade and enterprise could be the role model for Taiwan to look up to. As for Taiwan, she needs to maintain a good and sound trade relationship with both Hong Kong and China. Any mishaps with either of them could result in her being chucked out the Greater China Financial Circle. What Taiwan needs to be particularly wary of is her ideological bias, which should give way to economic prosperity and success.

Scholars from Hong Kong agreed that given the impact of Asia economy in recent years, Hong Kong is still under the shadow of recession. But no drastic social system change has taken place, nor is there in Hong Kong any sign of life style change. The next chief of state election has already been decided upon: there will be a plebiscite election, which is indeed great news to Hong Kong residents.

But when one looks at things happening in Taiwan, they are not very encouraging. Too much “inner attrition” (power struggle), which is beginning to take its toll as Taiwan is approaching its second presidential election.

With a total of 17 members in Hong Kong team, they have helped delivered 12 papers altogether.

Dr. Feng Chao-kang, VP for Academic Affairs, TKU, presided over the closing ceremony of the Symposium.