Taipei, Feb. 8 (CNA) As an eyewitness and a longtime observer of Taiwan's development over the past 30 years, British Museum scholar Jan Stuart told the CNA on the sidelines of an international academic conference that she has been constantly amazed that it's possible for Taiwanese identity and Chinese identity to coexist.
Currently in Taiwan for the promotion of a British Museum artifacts exhibition and an international conference on the art and culture of China's Northern Sung Dynasty, the Asia Department keeper of the British Museum has also been busy meeting acquaintances during his visit. And she hasn't needed a guide.
Stuart, a U.S. citizen, speaks excellent Mandarin and is very familiar with Taipei City because she lived in Taiwan for a total of one-and-a-half years on two separate occasions in the 1970s and the 1980s.
She visited Taiwan for the first time in 1976 "to see if studying Chinese in Taiwan could be an option" and ended up staying for six months, living with a well-educated couple in the Wanhua district of Taipei City.
"We lived in an old community and a house with no hot water. It was the first time I realized that people with the same education level enjoy different living standards, " Stuart said, describing the experience as "culture shock."
With her interest in Chinese culture growing, Stuart came back to Taiwan in 1982 and enrolled in a National Taiwan University Chinese-language program, living this time on Roosevelt Road for nine months. "I've been surprised to see how fast Taiwan has changed as a country since that time," she told the CNA.
Based on her experience and observations, Stuart presents a unique perspective on Taiwanese culture and Chinese culture.
There are many regions in China, such as Tibet and Xinjiang, that have distinct cultures, Stuart said, adding that this is the reason why she thinks the Taiwanese identity can coexist with the Chinese identity.
"From the viewpoint of an outsider, "it's possible to be Taiwanese and Chinese at the same time, " she said, adding, however, that she realizes it is not easy to separate politics from culture, especially in Taiwan's case.
Stuart said that she first fell in love with Chinese culture after seeing Chinese paintings as a high school student and that her experience in Taiwan facilitated her decision to pursue Chinese culture research as a career.
Stuart obtained both her bachelor's degree and master's degree at Yale University and worked in the field of Chinese culture studies thereafter.
Specializing in art and culture from China's Sung Dynasty (960-1279) to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) , Stuart worked in the Smithsonian Institute before joining the British Museum three months ago. She is now based in London.
In addition to scholastic research, Stuart enjoys "visual arts of every country and form" as well as folk practices. During her time in Taiwan, she spent numerous hours watching outdoor puppetry performances.
"I enjoy observing how people live, " she said.
A total of 271 artifacts collected by the British Museum valued at more than NT$50 billion are being exhibited at the National Palace Museum in Taipei City from Feb. 4 to May 27. This marks the first collaboration between the two museums.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Saturday, February 03, 2007
BRITISH MUSEUM ARTIFACTS TO BE EXHIBITED IN NATIONAL PALACE MUSEUM
Taipei, Feb. 2 (CNA) A total of 271 artifacts collected by the British Museum, valued at more than NT$5 billion, will be exhibited in the National Palace Museum (NPM) from Feb. 4 to May 27, the NPM announced in a press conference Friday.
The exhibition, "Treasures of the World's Cultures: The British Museum after 250 years", brings these historical relics from the U.K. to Taiwan for the first time and will be a part of celebrations marking the reopening of the NPM, which is entering its 80th year, NPM Director Lin Mun-lee said.
"We are expecting a very exciting week. Following the Grand View, this exhibition will be one of the most important events for the NPM this year," Lin said. Grand View is an exhibition of painting, calligraphy and Ju Ware of the Northern Sung Dynasty.
The NPM has designed three different visiting plans with time spans of 30, 60 and 120 minutes to cover the top 10, 20 and 42 recommended artifacts, which include items from different eras and regions of pre-history, Mesopotamia, ancient Egypt, ancient Greece, early Europe, Medieval Europe and the Renaissance. The display area,
which is located in the Library Building, will be separated into 13 zones, according to the time period and place of origin.
Among the ten most notable items are The Unlucky Mummy wooden mummy-board, Queen Puabe's Lyre, Statuette of Hermes, Bust of the Emperor Hadrian, Bust of Antinous, and a cast gold pectoral of a chief or priest in South America.
The exhibition is important for the British Museum not only because it takes place in Taiwan for the first time, but also because the displayed items reflect humanity's achievements from both the past and present, said Andrew Burnett, Deputy Director of the British Museum.
Starting from Feb. 3, the NPM will also be holding its first NPM Outdoors arts festival. The festival has invited world-renowned performing groups, such as Japanese national treasure "Noh Theatre, " and Ming Hwa Yuan Taiwanese Opera Troupe, the Ju Percussion Group and the U-Theatre Group.
Noh Theatre master Umewaka Rokuro will share with the public a suspenseful performance of The Lion and widely-acclaimed Concubine Yang, produced by samisen master Yoshizumi Kosayo.
The performances will be held outdoors and are open to the public free of charge to allow visitors the opportunity to come face-to-face with these famous performing groups.
The exhibition, "Treasures of the World's Cultures: The British Museum after 250 years", brings these historical relics from the U.K. to Taiwan for the first time and will be a part of celebrations marking the reopening of the NPM, which is entering its 80th year, NPM Director Lin Mun-lee said.
"We are expecting a very exciting week. Following the Grand View, this exhibition will be one of the most important events for the NPM this year," Lin said. Grand View is an exhibition of painting, calligraphy and Ju Ware of the Northern Sung Dynasty.
The NPM has designed three different visiting plans with time spans of 30, 60 and 120 minutes to cover the top 10, 20 and 42 recommended artifacts, which include items from different eras and regions of pre-history, Mesopotamia, ancient Egypt, ancient Greece, early Europe, Medieval Europe and the Renaissance. The display area,
which is located in the Library Building, will be separated into 13 zones, according to the time period and place of origin.
Among the ten most notable items are The Unlucky Mummy wooden mummy-board, Queen Puabe's Lyre, Statuette of Hermes, Bust of the Emperor Hadrian, Bust of Antinous, and a cast gold pectoral of a chief or priest in South America.
The exhibition is important for the British Museum not only because it takes place in Taiwan for the first time, but also because the displayed items reflect humanity's achievements from both the past and present, said Andrew Burnett, Deputy Director of the British Museum.
Starting from Feb. 3, the NPM will also be holding its first NPM Outdoors arts festival. The festival has invited world-renowned performing groups, such as Japanese national treasure "Noh Theatre, " and Ming Hwa Yuan Taiwanese Opera Troupe, the Ju Percussion Group and the U-Theatre Group.
Noh Theatre master Umewaka Rokuro will share with the public a suspenseful performance of The Lion and widely-acclaimed Concubine Yang, produced by samisen master Yoshizumi Kosayo.
The performances will be held outdoors and are open to the public free of charge to allow visitors the opportunity to come face-to-face with these famous performing groups.
Friday, December 15, 2006
INTERNATIONAL FORUM ON ANIMAL WELFARE HELD IN TAIWAN
Taipei, Dec. 11 (CNA) People's attitude toward animals has changed over time, especially in the last 10 years, but Taiwan still faces barriers that impede the practice of animal protection, scholars said in an international forum Monday.
"Animal protection is a policy that cannot be delayed," said Chen Shei-saint, chairman of the Animal Protection Association (APA) of the Republic of China at the opening ceremony of the 2006 International Companion Animal Welfare Forum.
The two-day forum, co-organized by the APA, Life Conservationist Association and the Department of Veterinary Medicine at National Taiwan University, is taking place in Taipei with scholars from 11 countries meeting in a "dialogue between Taiwan and the World."
David Fraser, a Canadian professor at the University of British Columbia who also works for the Office International des Epizooties (OIE, World Organization for Animal Health), offered a global perspective on animal welfare in a keynote speech.
It is amazing how quickly people's opinion could change in 30 years toward animals, Fraser noted, adding that the animal protection movement is looking for a more global reach in the 21st century.
However, there are new challenges ahead, including the rising production of meat -- especially in developing countries; the human impact on wildlife species, and increasing cases of domestic animals living in human communities, Fraser said.
Briefing the audience on the animal protection movement in Taiwan, Shih Chao-hwei, a Buddhist nun, followed up Fraser's viewpoints with her concerns.
Taiwan's animal protection movement has a long way to go, said Shih Chao-hwei, a professor at Hsuan Chuang University.
"The [animal protection] law in Taiwan has been in place. All we need now is the improvement of law enforcement. Too many times we have allowed unlimited generalizations of cultural diversity, tourism and sacred sacrifice to impede the practice [of animal protection] in Taiwan," she said.
Twelve theses will be presented at the forum.
"Animal protection is a policy that cannot be delayed," said Chen Shei-saint, chairman of the Animal Protection Association (APA) of the Republic of China at the opening ceremony of the 2006 International Companion Animal Welfare Forum.
The two-day forum, co-organized by the APA, Life Conservationist Association and the Department of Veterinary Medicine at National Taiwan University, is taking place in Taipei with scholars from 11 countries meeting in a "dialogue between Taiwan and the World."
David Fraser, a Canadian professor at the University of British Columbia who also works for the Office International des Epizooties (OIE, World Organization for Animal Health), offered a global perspective on animal welfare in a keynote speech.
It is amazing how quickly people's opinion could change in 30 years toward animals, Fraser noted, adding that the animal protection movement is looking for a more global reach in the 21st century.
However, there are new challenges ahead, including the rising production of meat -- especially in developing countries; the human impact on wildlife species, and increasing cases of domestic animals living in human communities, Fraser said.
Briefing the audience on the animal protection movement in Taiwan, Shih Chao-hwei, a Buddhist nun, followed up Fraser's viewpoints with her concerns.
Taiwan's animal protection movement has a long way to go, said Shih Chao-hwei, a professor at Hsuan Chuang University.
"The [animal protection] law in Taiwan has been in place. All we need now is the improvement of law enforcement. Too many times we have allowed unlimited generalizations of cultural diversity, tourism and sacred sacrifice to impede the practice [of animal protection] in Taiwan," she said.
Twelve theses will be presented at the forum.
Friday, December 08, 2006
LEGISLATION CRITICAL TO STOP TAIWAN'S HUMAN TRAFFICKING: U.S.
Taipei, Dec. 8 (CNA) Anti-trafficking legislation is desperately needed if Taiwan is to prevent its human trafficking problem from worsening, Taiwan and U.S. officials said Friday in a video conference.
Taiwan was listed on the Tier 2 Watch List in the 2006 U.S. Trafficking in People Report published in June, primarily because it failed to show increased efforts in fighting trafficking during the past year, said James Husky, chief of the political section at the American Institute in Taiwan Taipei Office.
Human trafficking is seen as the modern-day slavery, which is very different from slavery in the past, said Washington-based John Miller, Director of U.S. State Department's Office of Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (G/TIP) , in the conference that gathered public prosecutors, officials and law enforcers from Taipei and Kaohsiung.
About 800,000 people are trafficked across national borders each year, which does not count millions trafficked within their own countries, said Miller, whose office coordinates the U.S. efforts in the global fight against modern-day slavery, including forced labor and sex exploitation.
Being listed on the Tier 2 Watch List means Taiwan does not comply with the minimum standards and requires special scrutiny because of a high or significantly increasing number of victims and a failure to provide evidence of increasing efforts to combat human trafficking.
Miller said the "Three Ps" principle -- prevention, protection and prosecution -- should be used when dealing with trafficking issues.
The national action plan to fight trafficking, which was initiated by the Executive Yuan, was a great first step for Taiwan, said Mark Taylor, Senior Coordinator for Reports of G/TIP.
Legislation makes sure the traffickers will be punished, but the implementation of the law is equally important as well, Taylor noted.
Public prosecutors and officials from Taipei and Kaohsiung mentioned the difficulties under the current system to define trafficking cases and identify victims.
"If a person ends up losing his freedom, it's a trafficking case, "Miller said, adding that government agencies should also work with non-government organizations.
Taiwan was listed on the Tier 2 Watch List in the 2006 U.S. Trafficking in People Report published in June, primarily because it failed to show increased efforts in fighting trafficking during the past year, said James Husky, chief of the political section at the American Institute in Taiwan Taipei Office.
Human trafficking is seen as the modern-day slavery, which is very different from slavery in the past, said Washington-based John Miller, Director of U.S. State Department's Office of Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (G/TIP) , in the conference that gathered public prosecutors, officials and law enforcers from Taipei and Kaohsiung.
About 800,000 people are trafficked across national borders each year, which does not count millions trafficked within their own countries, said Miller, whose office coordinates the U.S. efforts in the global fight against modern-day slavery, including forced labor and sex exploitation.
Being listed on the Tier 2 Watch List means Taiwan does not comply with the minimum standards and requires special scrutiny because of a high or significantly increasing number of victims and a failure to provide evidence of increasing efforts to combat human trafficking.
Miller said the "Three Ps" principle -- prevention, protection and prosecution -- should be used when dealing with trafficking issues.
The national action plan to fight trafficking, which was initiated by the Executive Yuan, was a great first step for Taiwan, said Mark Taylor, Senior Coordinator for Reports of G/TIP.
Legislation makes sure the traffickers will be punished, but the implementation of the law is equally important as well, Taylor noted.
Public prosecutors and officials from Taipei and Kaohsiung mentioned the difficulties under the current system to define trafficking cases and identify victims.
"If a person ends up losing his freedom, it's a trafficking case, "Miller said, adding that government agencies should also work with non-government organizations.
ROTARY INT'L PRESIDENT PRAISES CONTRIBUTION OF TAIWAN MEMBERS
Taipei, Dec. 7 (CNA) Rotarians in Taiwan have made a great contribution to Taiwan society and communities over the years, Rotary International President William Boyd said in an interview with the CNA Thursday.
Taiwanese Rotarians donated an average of US$138 per person per year to the Rotary Foundation, which is one of the highest figures in the world, Boyd said on the first day of his three-day visit to Taiwan. He added that membership in Taiwan has been growing strong, with a 10-percent increase this past year.
The most satisfying fact, according to Boyd, a New Zealander who is visiting Taiwan for the first time, is knowing that Rotarians in Taiwan have been helping communities and people through collaboration with government agencies and various organizations.
Boyd made the comments on the heels of an anti-drugs and anti-AIDS campaign in Taipei.
Rotary International is an organization of more than 32,000 Rotary clubs located in more than 200 countries. Its members are known as Rotarians. The purpose of the group is to bring together business and professional leaders who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace around the world.
Boyd, who was invited to join the Rotary club in 1971, said he has always been interested in helping people. Being a Rotarian has helped him expand his vision and get involved in many international events. As the current president, he has been able to travel with his wife Lorna to different countries and meet different people, he said.
In Uganda, Boyd met a young man who lost his arm in an accident and was later able to make a living as a cab driver after receiving an artificial arm, which was donated by a Rotary club and cost only US$50.
"It's amazing to see what a difference a little effort can make," he said.
Boyd, whose term as president will end in June 2007, has made "water, hunger and health" the three main areas for Rotarians around the world to work on in 2006 and 2007. Stressing his philosophy of "local Rotary clubs know best," Boyd said that he only sets a general direction and then lets local clubs make decisions on specific areas they want to work on.
Boyd said he believes Rotary International's role will increase in the future, adding that it is gratifying to see so many international organizations, such as UNICEF, actively approach Rotary International for collaborate on projects.
What Rotary International can do to help the world is not limited to its 1.2 million members, Boyd said, pointing out that several of the organization's programs involve women and youth as well and that Rotarians usually bring their family members along to participate in community services.
"The future of Rotary International is looking as good as ever, " Boyd said.
Taiwanese Rotarians donated an average of US$138 per person per year to the Rotary Foundation, which is one of the highest figures in the world, Boyd said on the first day of his three-day visit to Taiwan. He added that membership in Taiwan has been growing strong, with a 10-percent increase this past year.
The most satisfying fact, according to Boyd, a New Zealander who is visiting Taiwan for the first time, is knowing that Rotarians in Taiwan have been helping communities and people through collaboration with government agencies and various organizations.
Boyd made the comments on the heels of an anti-drugs and anti-AIDS campaign in Taipei.
Rotary International is an organization of more than 32,000 Rotary clubs located in more than 200 countries. Its members are known as Rotarians. The purpose of the group is to bring together business and professional leaders who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace around the world.
Boyd, who was invited to join the Rotary club in 1971, said he has always been interested in helping people. Being a Rotarian has helped him expand his vision and get involved in many international events. As the current president, he has been able to travel with his wife Lorna to different countries and meet different people, he said.
In Uganda, Boyd met a young man who lost his arm in an accident and was later able to make a living as a cab driver after receiving an artificial arm, which was donated by a Rotary club and cost only US$50.
"It's amazing to see what a difference a little effort can make," he said.
Boyd, whose term as president will end in June 2007, has made "water, hunger and health" the three main areas for Rotarians around the world to work on in 2006 and 2007. Stressing his philosophy of "local Rotary clubs know best," Boyd said that he only sets a general direction and then lets local clubs make decisions on specific areas they want to work on.
Boyd said he believes Rotary International's role will increase in the future, adding that it is gratifying to see so many international organizations, such as UNICEF, actively approach Rotary International for collaborate on projects.
What Rotary International can do to help the world is not limited to its 1.2 million members, Boyd said, pointing out that several of the organization's programs involve women and youth as well and that Rotarians usually bring their family members along to participate in community services.
"The future of Rotary International is looking as good as ever, " Boyd said.
CANADIAN INDIGENOUS LEADERS SHARE EXPERIENCE WITH TAIWAN
Taipei, Dec. 6 (CNA) A pair of Canadian indigenous leaders shared experiences and expertise with their Taiwanese counterparts in a workshop on Canada's aboriginal self-governance and economic development Wednesday in Taipei.
"In terms of aboriginal relations and development, Canada was far from perfect -- it even made some mistakes in the past. But it can share its experience in aboriginal affairs with Taiwan," said David Hamilton, director of general relations of the Canadian Trade Office in Taipei (CTOT) at the workshop, which was co-organized by CTOT and Taiwan's Council of Indigenous Peoples.
From 1870-1950, Canadian aboriginals went through a long period of discrimination just like aboriginals in other countries, said Larry Chartrand, a professor at the University of Winnipeg who also serves as the director of Canada's Aboriginal Governance Program.
It wasn't until 1969 that aboriginals in Canada mobilized and responded through massive protests and pushed for a new relationship between the Canadian government and aboriginal people. After three subsequent constitutional amendments in 1982, the Canadian government began to negotiate one by one with aboriginal tribes on self-governance issues, he said.
However, Canadian aboriginals still face great challenges today such as land claims, the scope of self-governance, and continuing poverty and discrimination, Chartrand noted.
"It's our belief that what you do today will affect seven generations later," said Romeo Crow, a Blackfoot tribe chief of the Siksika Nation, who also serves as president of the Aboriginal Financial Officers Association.
The Blackfoot tribe, a group of nomads that followed buffaloes in the past, has been trying to build its own business, increase the group's educational enrollment rate while at the same time preserving its tradition and culture, Crow said.
Self-governance is one thing, a vision to plan for the future instead of dwelling on the present is another, he said.
"In terms of aboriginal relations and development, Canada was far from perfect -- it even made some mistakes in the past. But it can share its experience in aboriginal affairs with Taiwan," said David Hamilton, director of general relations of the Canadian Trade Office in Taipei (CTOT) at the workshop, which was co-organized by CTOT and Taiwan's Council of Indigenous Peoples.
From 1870-1950, Canadian aboriginals went through a long period of discrimination just like aboriginals in other countries, said Larry Chartrand, a professor at the University of Winnipeg who also serves as the director of Canada's Aboriginal Governance Program.
It wasn't until 1969 that aboriginals in Canada mobilized and responded through massive protests and pushed for a new relationship between the Canadian government and aboriginal people. After three subsequent constitutional amendments in 1982, the Canadian government began to negotiate one by one with aboriginal tribes on self-governance issues, he said.
However, Canadian aboriginals still face great challenges today such as land claims, the scope of self-governance, and continuing poverty and discrimination, Chartrand noted.
"It's our belief that what you do today will affect seven generations later," said Romeo Crow, a Blackfoot tribe chief of the Siksika Nation, who also serves as president of the Aboriginal Financial Officers Association.
The Blackfoot tribe, a group of nomads that followed buffaloes in the past, has been trying to build its own business, increase the group's educational enrollment rate while at the same time preserving its tradition and culture, Crow said.
Self-governance is one thing, a vision to plan for the future instead of dwelling on the present is another, he said.
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
HOMOSEXUAL GROUP ENDORSES CANDIDATES IN CITY COUNCIL ELECTIONS
Taipei, Dec. 5 (CNA) A homosexual group announced its endorsement of five candidates in the upcoming Taipei city council elections Tuesday and demanded more homosexual-friendly policies from the Taipei and Kaohsiung city governments.
Based on candidates' past records and public statements, the Taiwan Tonzhi Hotline Association (TTHA) said it will endorse Pan Han-shen, Chan Ming-chou, Dai Hsi-chin, Lin Yi-hua and Chou Po-ya in the Dec. 9 election for Taipei city councilors.
Of the candidates, Pan is from the Green Party, which has been known for supporting homosexual rights, while independent candidate Chan Ming-chou claimed he is the first out of the closet homosexual candidate in Taiwan's election history.
"The homosexual population accounts for as much as 10 percent of the population. Votes of homosexuals are going to be critical and that is why candidates should not ignore the importance of these voters, " said Kao Ying-chao, convener of the TTHA's human rights group.
The organization did not endorse any candidates in the elections for Taipei and Kaohsiung city mayors or Kaohsiung city council, which will also be held Dec. 9, as most candidates either failed to answer questionnaires submitted by the group or lack past records for review.
However, Kaohsiung city mayoral candidate Chen Ju did mention common-law partners and families of gay people in her White Paper, while Taipei mayoral candidate Clara Chou is also listed as a homosexual-friendly candidate.
In the survey, most candidates were hesitant to specify their views or policies on homosexuals, said Kao.
Homosexual groups have submitted their recommendations and endorsements in elections from as early as 1995, TTHA Public Relations Director Wu Hsu-liang said, adding that they endorsed candidates such as current legislators Hsiao Bi-khim, Cheng Yun-peng and Joanna Lei in past elections.
"Our surveys and endorsements are non-partisan. All we care about are candidates' track records and whether they are homosexual-friendly, " Wu said.
Based on candidates' past records and public statements, the Taiwan Tonzhi Hotline Association (TTHA) said it will endorse Pan Han-shen, Chan Ming-chou, Dai Hsi-chin, Lin Yi-hua and Chou Po-ya in the Dec. 9 election for Taipei city councilors.
Of the candidates, Pan is from the Green Party, which has been known for supporting homosexual rights, while independent candidate Chan Ming-chou claimed he is the first out of the closet homosexual candidate in Taiwan's election history.
"The homosexual population accounts for as much as 10 percent of the population. Votes of homosexuals are going to be critical and that is why candidates should not ignore the importance of these voters, " said Kao Ying-chao, convener of the TTHA's human rights group.
The organization did not endorse any candidates in the elections for Taipei and Kaohsiung city mayors or Kaohsiung city council, which will also be held Dec. 9, as most candidates either failed to answer questionnaires submitted by the group or lack past records for review.
However, Kaohsiung city mayoral candidate Chen Ju did mention common-law partners and families of gay people in her White Paper, while Taipei mayoral candidate Clara Chou is also listed as a homosexual-friendly candidate.
In the survey, most candidates were hesitant to specify their views or policies on homosexuals, said Kao.
Homosexual groups have submitted their recommendations and endorsements in elections from as early as 1995, TTHA Public Relations Director Wu Hsu-liang said, adding that they endorsed candidates such as current legislators Hsiao Bi-khim, Cheng Yun-peng and Joanna Lei in past elections.
"Our surveys and endorsements are non-partisan. All we care about are candidates' track records and whether they are homosexual-friendly, " Wu said.
GLOBAL HEALTH LEADERS DISCUSS HEALTH SUSTAINABILITY IN TAIWAN
Taipei, Dec. 4 (CNA) Health leaders from more than 40 countries met in a global forum in Taipei Monday to discuss health sustainability and Taiwan's participation and roles in international health affairs.
The forum, with the theme of "Sustainability of Global Health" is taking place at the National Taiwan University Hospital International Convention Center from Dec. 4-6.
President Chen Shui-bian said in an opening address that while Taiwan is not a World Health Organization (WHO) member or observer, it would be able to make a greater contribution to global health if it were allowed to take part in more WHO activities.
Taiwan and the rest of the world did not realize the importance of public health and the impact of a major disease until the SARS outbreak of 2003, Department of Health Minister Hou Sheng-mou claimed.
According to him, it was not until then that the world came to know that a major disease could affect global economic development.
Taiwan and the world are facing "unprecedented challenges" in terms of public health as the issues of AIDS, SARS, avian influenza, other diseases and suicide have either worsened or could return at any time, Hou said, making global collaboration necessary.
The forum discussed topics such as strategic planning for major diseases, regional and global health security, opportunities and challenges facing the health sector, international health law and policy, and Taiwan's participation and roles in global health.
The forum, with the theme of "Sustainability of Global Health" is taking place at the National Taiwan University Hospital International Convention Center from Dec. 4-6.
President Chen Shui-bian said in an opening address that while Taiwan is not a World Health Organization (WHO) member or observer, it would be able to make a greater contribution to global health if it were allowed to take part in more WHO activities.
Taiwan and the rest of the world did not realize the importance of public health and the impact of a major disease until the SARS outbreak of 2003, Department of Health Minister Hou Sheng-mou claimed.
According to him, it was not until then that the world came to know that a major disease could affect global economic development.
Taiwan and the world are facing "unprecedented challenges" in terms of public health as the issues of AIDS, SARS, avian influenza, other diseases and suicide have either worsened or could return at any time, Hou said, making global collaboration necessary.
The forum discussed topics such as strategic planning for major diseases, regional and global health security, opportunities and challenges facing the health sector, international health law and policy, and Taiwan's participation and roles in global health.
ACTIVIST URGES TAIWAN TO PLAY ROLE IN DEMOCRATIZATION OF CHINA
Taipei, Dec. 2 (CNA) As an emerging democracy, Taiwan should play an active role in China's democratization for the benefit of both people in Taiwan and China, a Chinese human rights activist said Saturday.
"Only by participating in the process of the democratization of China and the deconstruction of the Communist Party of China (CPC) can God truly bless Taiwan," said Li Dayong, who works for the Global Service Center for Quitting CPC, on the sidelines of a parade opposing state-led persecution inside China.
The rally gathered thousands of participants in Panchiao, Taipei County to support a movement calling on CPC members to quit the party, and opposing China's suppression of Falun Gong and dissidents.
Views of Taiwan's future commonly held among Taiwanese people -- unification, independence, and the status quo -- will not work because they are all based on interaction between cross-strait governments, Li said.
"But can you really trust the Chinese government and the CPC, based on its track record?" asked Li, who is one of the founders of Future China Forum, a democracy-advocating Internet forum.
Eastern European countries didn't start their democratization process until the Communist Party of Soviet Union was deconstructed, Li said, adding that it provided a perfect example for both Taiwan and China.
"Most people know that Taiwan is in a stalemate politically, especially in cross-strait relations. The real question we have to ask is how to walk out of it," he said.
"In my opinion, only by helping Chinese people break away from the control and suppression of the CPC can Taiwan secure its future and break away from China's military threat," he said.
"Only by participating in the process of the democratization of China and the deconstruction of the Communist Party of China (CPC) can God truly bless Taiwan," said Li Dayong, who works for the Global Service Center for Quitting CPC, on the sidelines of a parade opposing state-led persecution inside China.
The rally gathered thousands of participants in Panchiao, Taipei County to support a movement calling on CPC members to quit the party, and opposing China's suppression of Falun Gong and dissidents.
Views of Taiwan's future commonly held among Taiwanese people -- unification, independence, and the status quo -- will not work because they are all based on interaction between cross-strait governments, Li said.
"But can you really trust the Chinese government and the CPC, based on its track record?" asked Li, who is one of the founders of Future China Forum, a democracy-advocating Internet forum.
Eastern European countries didn't start their democratization process until the Communist Party of Soviet Union was deconstructed, Li said, adding that it provided a perfect example for both Taiwan and China.
"Most people know that Taiwan is in a stalemate politically, especially in cross-strait relations. The real question we have to ask is how to walk out of it," he said.
"In my opinion, only by helping Chinese people break away from the control and suppression of the CPC can Taiwan secure its future and break away from China's military threat," he said.
THOUSANDS RALLY IN PANCHIAO TO OPPOSE PERSECUTION INSIDE CHINA
Taipei, Dec. 2 (CNA) Thousands of Taiwanese rallied in a parade in Panchiao, Taipei County Saturday to oppose persecution in China and voice support for a movement urging Chinese to withdraw membership from the Communist Party of China (CPC).
"In two years, almost 16 million Chinese people have submitted statements withdrawing from the CPC or its affiliated organizations. The numbers show the Chinese have spurned the CPC because of its severe persecution inside China and repeated violations of human rights," said Lee Ching-mei, a parade spokeswoman.
During the rally, Falun Gong members carried out an exercise that uses five meditations, and something the Chinese government deems an illegal activity.
The parade was the second time a massive Taiwan rally was organized in support of the secession movement since Epochtimes, a Falun Gong affiliation newspaper, published "Nine Commentaries on the CPC" and launched the movement in 2004, Lee said.
Braving the cold air and light rain, participants held cardboard and banners with anti-CPC slogans, which included "CPC is not China," "Oppose organ harvesting," "Support Chinese human rights activists," and "A democratic China will not exist before the elimination of the CPC."
History shows in Russia, more than 4.2 million members withdrew from the Communist Party before the Soviet Union finally collapsed in 1991. And the CPC may collapse as well, with the secession movement gaining steam, said Li Dayong, who works for the Global Service Center for Quitting CCP.
Li said most people don't realize that behind all the rapid economic growth and development of big cities, the Chinese government has illegally kidnapped and detained dissidents, writers and reporters, suppressed Falun Gong members, and ignored the problems of corruption, discontinued education, unemployment and an ineffective health care system, among many other areas.
"In two years, almost 16 million Chinese people have submitted statements withdrawing from the CPC or its affiliated organizations. The numbers show the Chinese have spurned the CPC because of its severe persecution inside China and repeated violations of human rights," said Lee Ching-mei, a parade spokeswoman.
During the rally, Falun Gong members carried out an exercise that uses five meditations, and something the Chinese government deems an illegal activity.
The parade was the second time a massive Taiwan rally was organized in support of the secession movement since Epochtimes, a Falun Gong affiliation newspaper, published "Nine Commentaries on the CPC" and launched the movement in 2004, Lee said.
Braving the cold air and light rain, participants held cardboard and banners with anti-CPC slogans, which included "CPC is not China," "Oppose organ harvesting," "Support Chinese human rights activists," and "A democratic China will not exist before the elimination of the CPC."
History shows in Russia, more than 4.2 million members withdrew from the Communist Party before the Soviet Union finally collapsed in 1991. And the CPC may collapse as well, with the secession movement gaining steam, said Li Dayong, who works for the Global Service Center for Quitting CCP.
Li said most people don't realize that behind all the rapid economic growth and development of big cities, the Chinese government has illegally kidnapped and detained dissidents, writers and reporters, suppressed Falun Gong members, and ignored the problems of corruption, discontinued education, unemployment and an ineffective health care system, among many other areas.
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