It is often said that ignorance is bliss. But what are the consequences when ignorance, encouraged, imposed and enforced by an overly paranoid state apparatus, mixes with the volatile juices of xenophobia and nationalism? According to an engaging and all-too-human new book by journalist Louisa Lim, the results are a widening moral vacuum and loss …
Continuing a long tradition set by his predecessors, Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平) on Wednesday warned against “independence forces” in Taiwan, calling them “the biggest threat to cross-strait peace and stability” in the Taiwan Strait. Xi, who made the remarks at this year’s Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), was not saying anything we’ve not …
Given that it had been nearly six years since a chairman of the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) had journeyed to Beijing to meet the secretary general of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), President Xi Jinping’s (習近平) performance on May 4 was rather odd. If only for the propagandistic value of the meeting, one would have …
On May 3, China-based Taiwanese businessperson Tung Shu-chen (董淑貞), the president of a financial firm in Shanghai, had her 15 minutes of fame. The now-infamous taishang (a term to describe Taiwanese businesspeople in China), who has reportedly engaged extensively in philanthropy in Taiwan and China for years, said during a symposium hosted by Chinese Nationalist …
On May 4, Eric Chu (朱立倫) had his first experience with the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT)-Chinese Communist Party (CCP) Forum as well as with Chinese President and CCP Secretary-General Xi Jinping (習近平) since he assumed the KMT chairmanship in January. Unfortunately, the accomplishments of his first journey to China were rather lacking in significance. China’s …
Much has been said in recent years about the visits to China by retired Taiwanese generals, and for those who worry about leaks of military secrets and propaganda coups, the commentariat has not looked too kindly upon the golf rounds and fraternization. However, as the old brass from the two sides get closer to each …