David Shambaugh's proposal in Foreign Affairs magazine that the US government should try to "jump-start" talks between the Taiwan and China is naive at best. It has been apparent for years that China will not accept the slightest action by the US in this regard.
Sadly, the "one China" stipulation of Beijing militates against "foreign interference" in a purely "internal problem," as if there is such thing in this era of international pollution and inextricable economic linkages. Perhaps a respected official of a purely economic entity (such as a corporation) could instead catalyse talks.
With the mainland's overt focus on economic development, perhaps such an official's remarks could be framed and received in non-confrontational language (such as ensuring a peaceful environment for international economic development) without engaging any of Beijing's various sensitivities. And the small steps towards some kind of resolution could be made at last.
Paul Connor
Canada
Behind the warriors
Qin Shi Huang's (
When alive, he spent a massive amount of state resources building a make-believe army to escort him into the afterlife -- a symbol of a bloated personal ego and vanity. He was also obssessed with the search for an elixir that would give him everlasting life, while at the same time building his enormous tomb.
What's more, his courtiers, concubines and artisans were all buried alive alongside their emperor's corpse and his terra-cotta warriors -- as if make-believe toys would not make him feel secure enough in the Heavens. We should also remember Qin Shi Huang's other barbaric deeds as described in Chinese historical texts, including the massacre of intellectuals and the burning of books. I wonder how the terror that Qin Shi Huang represents can possibly be lost on anyone willing to remember this history.
Aye Nge
Taipei
Eating our pollution
We humans seem very often to make pollution unconsciously, and this strongly affects our lives and environment. A study reported recently by the media for example shows that there may be some pesticide residues in the various fish sold in Taiwan's markets. Because of this, many people daren't eat the fish they used to eat daily, and people who earn a living from fish experience threats to their livelihood. And who is to blame?
Let us all think more about the consequences of our actions and make great efforts to prevent pollution in the future. Let us love the world more so that we will protect it more carefully. Let us wish for a beautiful and clean earth without pollution in the future.
Tseng Yu-Ya
Taipei
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