Chinese literary style is laced with short aphorisms (graphic devices used to make a point). Taiwan's president Chen Shui-bian's New Year's message contained this one, for example: "Meeting Challenges, Moving Forward." My aphorism is "Two Thank-Yous and a Note."

The Chinese art collections at Principia College

The 2 thank-yous are, first, to the readers of "Collester's Desk," who have been challenged to think about the issues and possible solutions to the intractable relations between Taiwan and the mainland. The other thank-you goes to the editors and publisher of the St. Louis Chinese American News who graciously gave me the opportunity to share some impressions as an International Observer of the legislative (Yuan) and mayoralty elections in Taiwan last December 1 (2001) - and their possible global consequences.

The note is about a press report from today's New York Times (March 6, 2002): "China Increases Military Spending to focus on High Tech." China's finance minister Xiang Huaicheng announced China is increasing military spending this year by 17.6 percent, or $3 billion. The publicly reported total tallies $20 billion. Western analysts say the actual amount is probably three to five times more. "The jump in spending follows many years of double-digit increases," intoned the New York Times. One can only conjecture for what purpose this arms buildup continues. It is not reassuring!

And that is the point. In these troublesome times, the St. Louis Chinese American News is making a concerted effort to bring varied perspectives, hopefully new ideas and perhaps some healing balm to a very discordant area. There is work to be done - and in the spirit of another aphorism: "we must think globally, but act locally," the St. Louis Chinese American News is helping air this issue in free and open debate. It is challenging us to think through the same issues, and maybe solutions, those on both sides of the Taiwan Strait face. That is a major public service, and I commend the editors and publisher of the St. Louis Chinese American News for their commitment to the St. Louis Chinese-American community, for their tenacity in addressing controversial subjects and for their foresight and good will in doing so.

Principia College campus


Mississippi River