In order to keep up with calls to rectify the nation's title, a periodical which has been published by the Government Information Office (GIO) worldwide under the name of Sinorama (光華雜誌) over the past 30 years has had its name changed to Taiwan Panorama (台灣光華雜誌).
The GIO will subsequently work to promote the new name of the publication at the upcoming Taipei International Book Exhibition which is slated to run Tuesday through Feb 12.
Sinorama, which was founded on Jan. 1, 1976, is a monthly magazine published by the GIO and circulated internationally to introduce Taiwan's customs and traditions to the international community. It is published in two bilingual versions, Chinese-English and Chinese-Japanese.
Sixty percent of the magazines are circulated overseas, and the name change will make it easier for people to recognize the magazine as a Taiwanese publication, the GIO said.
The Cabinet and GIO Web sites will add the word "Taiwan" in both Chinese and English to correct the names of government agencies, and that the word "China" in laws will be changed to "our country," either by proposing amendments to such laws or by direct changes through an administrative order.
The Cabinet-level Overseas Chinese Affairs Commission was originally scheduled to have its name changed to the Overseas Compatriot Affairs Commission, but this was postponed because some legislators felt that this change implies citizens residing overseas owe a duty to the nation, which is not the case.
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