I just swallowed some toothpaste. Doesn't feel too good, bleh..
Congratz to my bro for getting into Berkeley!!!!
There's been some tension on campus between the Chinese and Taiwanese students. This started when the International House, which is the organization that helps foreign students at Duke, agreed to fly the Taiwanese flag at the behest of Taiwanese students at Duke. This immediately sparked off a request/ demand from the Chinese student organization that Ihouse recognize the "One China Policy." As I happen to receive emails from all parties, that is Ihouse, Taiwan and China, I have been following what's going on. The Taiwanese side has not sent any emails other than a description document that Ihouse then forwarded to its mailing list. In response, the Chinese side has continued its request that Ihouse acknowledge One China. We'll see what Ihouse does. Here's the document describing Taiwan's flag, history, land and people (basically cut and pasted paragraphs from Taiwan's GIO website).
*****
The National Flag of the Republic of China (Taiwan)
The ROC national flag, which consists of a White Sun in a Blue Sky over Crimson Ground, was chosen by Founding Father Dr. Sun Yat-sen. Its design was based on the "white sun in a blue sky" flag conceived by Lu Hao-tung.
The ROC national flag was adopted by the national government on December 17, 1928, following the successful completion of the Northern Expedition and the unification of China. The twelve points of the flag's White Sun represent the twelve two-hour periods of the day and symbolize unceasing progress.
The three colors of blue, white, and crimson represent collectively the Three Principles of the People:
BLUE -- Brightness, purity, freedom, and min tsu (nationalism)
White -- Honesty, selflessness, equality, and min chuan (democracy)
CRIMSON -- Sacrifice, fraternity, and min sheng (social well-being)
History: In 1949, as the Republic of China (ROC) central government in Nanjing was losing its battle against the Communists, it relocated to Taiwan. The history of Taiwan after 1949 is one of rapid and sweeping change over a short period, especially with the influx of around one and a half million soldiers and civilians from the mainland, which turned the island into a frontline of the cold war. Over the last five decades, rapid economic development has made the island one of the world's most vigorous economies, with rapid industrialization, urbanization, and modernization dramatically transforming the lives of Taiwan's residents. The scale of this transformation has seldom been witnessed anywhere in world history.
The economic structure of the nation shifted from reliance on agricultural exports in the 1950s to light manufacturing in the 1960s and 1970s; and to high technology and chemical product exports in the 1980s and 1990s. By 1995, technology-intensive products constituted 46.7 percent of exports, and by 2004, 52.1 percent.
A new and significant economic trend beginning in the 1980s was the rise of investments in the Chinese mainland by Taiwan's business community. After martial law was lifted in 1987, civilian contact between Taiwan and China were allowed. By 2004, Taiwan's business sector had invested about US$41.25 billion on the mainland, according to the records of investments registered with the government. The sharp increase of Taiwan exports to China beginning in 1990 decreased Taiwan's dependence on the US market, but raised new concerns of growing economic reliance on this long-time rival. Although politically divided, investment and trade by the business community have managed to bring the two sides closer economically.
The first direct presidential election in 1996, the first change of the governing party in 2000, and other political reforms, have further consolidated democracy in Taiwan. Despite such domestic achievements, Taiwan's democracy and security are constantly threatened by China. In 2005, China's National People's Congress passed an "anti-separation law" (the so-called anti-secession law), which could be used as an excuse to forcefully and unilaterally change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. In protest of China's refusal to cease its military threats, the Taiwanese people took to the streets, demanding democracy and peace in the March for Democracy and Peace to Protect Taiwan—the largest protest ever held in a single city on the island. Notwithstanding the vicissitudes of cross-strait relations, Taiwan will continue to pursue democratic reforms. For instance, a National Assembly elected completely by proportional representation for the first time in 2005 was formed to render the final say on proposed constitutional amendments.
Taiwan's considerable democratic experiences, technological capabilities, and economic power enable the nation to apply these advantages for the benefit of the international community. Taiwan is thus able to contribute to the peace, prosperity, and stability of both the Asia-Pacific region and the rest of the world.
The Land: Taiwan, formerly known by the Portuguese name Ilha Formosa, or "beautiful island," is situated in the western Pacific Ocean off the southeast coast of the Chinese mainland. With a subtropical climate and sufficient rainfall, much of Taiwan is covered with mountains and hills. The landscape of Taiwan is quite diverse, containing sandy shoals, plains, basins, hills, land tables, and mountains. This rich variety can be seen in the volcanic areas of Yangmingshan, the eroded coastal landforms of the northeastern cape, and the basalt formations of the Pescadores Islands. Due to Taiwan's mountainous nature, beautiful scenery is abundant there. For instance, Mount Hohuan, Mount Jade, and Mount Ali, to name only a few, are all famous hiking, climbing and resort areas.
People and Culture: Archaeologists have found evidence of prehistoric human habitation in Taiwan that dates back 12,000 to 15,000 years, and suggests that the earliest ancestors of Taiwan's present inhabitants came from at least two places: southern China and Austronesia. Early settlers from southern China settled in northern and central Taiwan, while Australoid settlements were mainly in southern Taiwan and along the eastern coast. Before the arrival of Han people from China, these several dozen Austronesian ethnic groups, with diverse cultures and languages, accounted for all of Taiwan's inhabitants; they now make up less than 2 percent of the population.
Large numbers of Han people from China's coastal provinces of Fujian 福建 and Guangdong 廣東 began immigrating to Taiwan in the 16th century, seeking new homes away from war and famine. Most early Han immigrants were Southern Fujianese and Hakka, two groups which still constitute about 85 percent of Taiwan's population, the former outnumbering the latter by a 4:1 ratio. When the Kuomintang (KMT) 中國國民黨 government relocated to Taipei in 1949, it brought a new influx of Han immigrants of numerous cultural backgrounds to Taiwan. Together, these various Han groups make up around 98 percent of Taiwan's population and can be considered, therefore, its largest ethnic group. Taiwan's population also includes almost 60 other non-Han minorities. These include Mongolians and Tibetans who receive assistance from the Mongolian and Tibetan Affairs Commission (MTAC) 蒙藏委員會 under the Executive Yuan.
There are currently 12 major indigenous peoples in Taiwan: the Amis 阿美族, Atayal 泰雅族, Bunun 布農族, Kavalan 噶瑪蘭族, Paiwan 排灣族, Pinuyumayan or Punuyumayan 卑南族, Rukai 魯凱族, Saisiyat 賽夏族, Thao 邵族, Truku 太魯閣族, Tsou 鄒族, and Yami 雅美族. As of 2004, the total indigenous population was 454,682. Accounting for over one third of this number, the Amis was most numerous, followed by the Atayal and Paiwan. About 29,000 indigenous persons did not provide details of their ethnic origins. Many indigenous people live in mountainous reservations, which cannot be sold to non-aborigines.
According to linguistic analysis, Taiwan's indigenous peoples belong to the Austronesian (formerly the Malayo-Polynesian) group, which inhabits an area of oceans and islands that extends from Easter Island in the east to Madagascar in the west, and from New Zealand in the south to Taiwan in the north. Anthropological research has shown that cultural customs of Taiwan's indigenous groups, such as building houses on stilts to protect against damp, insects, and snakes; slash-and-burn farming; bamboo and rattan weaving; making clothing with animal hides; tattooing; chewing betel nut; and circle-dancing; all belong to traditional Austronesian culture. Due to the number and diversity of indigenous languages in Taiwan, some scholars have suggested that Taiwan might be the origin of the Austronesian people's diaspora beginning several thousand years ago.
Despite exposure to Han and Western influences, Taiwan's Austronesian groups have maintained much of their unique heritage. Many differences in the cultural characteristics of Taiwan's indigenous peoples are based on traditional geographic distributions.
*****
Congratz to my bro for getting into Berkeley!!!!
There's been some tension on campus between the Chinese and Taiwanese students. This started when the International House, which is the organization that helps foreign students at Duke, agreed to fly the Taiwanese flag at the behest of Taiwanese students at Duke. This immediately sparked off a request/ demand from the Chinese student organization that Ihouse recognize the "One China Policy." As I happen to receive emails from all parties, that is Ihouse, Taiwan and China, I have been following what's going on. The Taiwanese side has not sent any emails other than a description document that Ihouse then forwarded to its mailing list. In response, the Chinese side has continued its request that Ihouse acknowledge One China. We'll see what Ihouse does. Here's the document describing Taiwan's flag, history, land and people (basically cut and pasted paragraphs from Taiwan's GIO website).
*****
The National Flag of the Republic of China (Taiwan)
The ROC national flag, which consists of a White Sun in a Blue Sky over Crimson Ground, was chosen by Founding Father Dr. Sun Yat-sen. Its design was based on the "white sun in a blue sky" flag conceived by Lu Hao-tung.
The ROC national flag was adopted by the national government on December 17, 1928, following the successful completion of the Northern Expedition and the unification of China. The twelve points of the flag's White Sun represent the twelve two-hour periods of the day and symbolize unceasing progress.
The three colors of blue, white, and crimson represent collectively the Three Principles of the People:
BLUE -- Brightness, purity, freedom, and min tsu (nationalism)
White -- Honesty, selflessness, equality, and min chuan (democracy)
CRIMSON -- Sacrifice, fraternity, and min sheng (social well-being)
History: In 1949, as the Republic of China (ROC) central government in Nanjing was losing its battle against the Communists, it relocated to Taiwan. The history of Taiwan after 1949 is one of rapid and sweeping change over a short period, especially with the influx of around one and a half million soldiers and civilians from the mainland, which turned the island into a frontline of the cold war. Over the last five decades, rapid economic development has made the island one of the world's most vigorous economies, with rapid industrialization, urbanization, and modernization dramatically transforming the lives of Taiwan's residents. The scale of this transformation has seldom been witnessed anywhere in world history.
The economic structure of the nation shifted from reliance on agricultural exports in the 1950s to light manufacturing in the 1960s and 1970s; and to high technology and chemical product exports in the 1980s and 1990s. By 1995, technology-intensive products constituted 46.7 percent of exports, and by 2004, 52.1 percent.
A new and significant economic trend beginning in the 1980s was the rise of investments in the Chinese mainland by Taiwan's business community. After martial law was lifted in 1987, civilian contact between Taiwan and China were allowed. By 2004, Taiwan's business sector had invested about US$41.25 billion on the mainland, according to the records of investments registered with the government. The sharp increase of Taiwan exports to China beginning in 1990 decreased Taiwan's dependence on the US market, but raised new concerns of growing economic reliance on this long-time rival. Although politically divided, investment and trade by the business community have managed to bring the two sides closer economically.
The first direct presidential election in 1996, the first change of the governing party in 2000, and other political reforms, have further consolidated democracy in Taiwan. Despite such domestic achievements, Taiwan's democracy and security are constantly threatened by China. In 2005, China's National People's Congress passed an "anti-separation law" (the so-called anti-secession law), which could be used as an excuse to forcefully and unilaterally change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. In protest of China's refusal to cease its military threats, the Taiwanese people took to the streets, demanding democracy and peace in the March for Democracy and Peace to Protect Taiwan—the largest protest ever held in a single city on the island. Notwithstanding the vicissitudes of cross-strait relations, Taiwan will continue to pursue democratic reforms. For instance, a National Assembly elected completely by proportional representation for the first time in 2005 was formed to render the final say on proposed constitutional amendments.
Taiwan's considerable democratic experiences, technological capabilities, and economic power enable the nation to apply these advantages for the benefit of the international community. Taiwan is thus able to contribute to the peace, prosperity, and stability of both the Asia-Pacific region and the rest of the world.
The Land: Taiwan, formerly known by the Portuguese name Ilha Formosa, or "beautiful island," is situated in the western Pacific Ocean off the southeast coast of the Chinese mainland. With a subtropical climate and sufficient rainfall, much of Taiwan is covered with mountains and hills. The landscape of Taiwan is quite diverse, containing sandy shoals, plains, basins, hills, land tables, and mountains. This rich variety can be seen in the volcanic areas of Yangmingshan, the eroded coastal landforms of the northeastern cape, and the basalt formations of the Pescadores Islands. Due to Taiwan's mountainous nature, beautiful scenery is abundant there. For instance, Mount Hohuan, Mount Jade, and Mount Ali, to name only a few, are all famous hiking, climbing and resort areas.
People and Culture: Archaeologists have found evidence of prehistoric human habitation in Taiwan that dates back 12,000 to 15,000 years, and suggests that the earliest ancestors of Taiwan's present inhabitants came from at least two places: southern China and Austronesia. Early settlers from southern China settled in northern and central Taiwan, while Australoid settlements were mainly in southern Taiwan and along the eastern coast. Before the arrival of Han people from China, these several dozen Austronesian ethnic groups, with diverse cultures and languages, accounted for all of Taiwan's inhabitants; they now make up less than 2 percent of the population.
Large numbers of Han people from China's coastal provinces of Fujian 福建 and Guangdong 廣東 began immigrating to Taiwan in the 16th century, seeking new homes away from war and famine. Most early Han immigrants were Southern Fujianese and Hakka, two groups which still constitute about 85 percent of Taiwan's population, the former outnumbering the latter by a 4:1 ratio. When the Kuomintang (KMT) 中國國民黨 government relocated to Taipei in 1949, it brought a new influx of Han immigrants of numerous cultural backgrounds to Taiwan. Together, these various Han groups make up around 98 percent of Taiwan's population and can be considered, therefore, its largest ethnic group. Taiwan's population also includes almost 60 other non-Han minorities. These include Mongolians and Tibetans who receive assistance from the Mongolian and Tibetan Affairs Commission (MTAC) 蒙藏委員會 under the Executive Yuan.
There are currently 12 major indigenous peoples in Taiwan: the Amis 阿美族, Atayal 泰雅族, Bunun 布農族, Kavalan 噶瑪蘭族, Paiwan 排灣族, Pinuyumayan or Punuyumayan 卑南族, Rukai 魯凱族, Saisiyat 賽夏族, Thao 邵族, Truku 太魯閣族, Tsou 鄒族, and Yami 雅美族. As of 2004, the total indigenous population was 454,682. Accounting for over one third of this number, the Amis was most numerous, followed by the Atayal and Paiwan. About 29,000 indigenous persons did not provide details of their ethnic origins. Many indigenous people live in mountainous reservations, which cannot be sold to non-aborigines.
According to linguistic analysis, Taiwan's indigenous peoples belong to the Austronesian (formerly the Malayo-Polynesian) group, which inhabits an area of oceans and islands that extends from Easter Island in the east to Madagascar in the west, and from New Zealand in the south to Taiwan in the north. Anthropological research has shown that cultural customs of Taiwan's indigenous groups, such as building houses on stilts to protect against damp, insects, and snakes; slash-and-burn farming; bamboo and rattan weaving; making clothing with animal hides; tattooing; chewing betel nut; and circle-dancing; all belong to traditional Austronesian culture. Due to the number and diversity of indigenous languages in Taiwan, some scholars have suggested that Taiwan might be the origin of the Austronesian people's diaspora beginning several thousand years ago.
Despite exposure to Han and Western influences, Taiwan's Austronesian groups have maintained much of their unique heritage. Many differences in the cultural characteristics of Taiwan's indigenous peoples are based on traditional geographic distributions.
*****
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