There have been plenty of reverberations on the political front in Taiwan recently: former provincial governor James Soong threw his hat into the ring for next year's presidential election; a change of government in Papua New Guinea brought a swift end to Taiwan's newest diplomatic partnership; and most startling of all, President Lee identified the need for parity between the two sides as the crux of the problem in cross-Strait relations. Beijing's reaction to Lee's remarks was not surprising, but it has nevertheless been an unnerving time for the people of Taiwan.

For the last century Chinese people have dreamed of a China that is unified, strong and prosperous. Towards the end of the Qing dynasty foreign powers carved the country up into spheres of influence, and it was thanks in large part to the importance that intellectuals attached to a unified China, that Dr Sun Yat-sen was able to topple the Qing dynasty. The rallying cry of the May Fourth movement was saving China through science and democracy, an issue that continues to be a topic of research for scholars on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, and this too is surely an expression of hope for a China that is unified and strong. Throughout the Civil War and the divided rule that has followed it, the efforts of political leaders to bring about a unified and strong China have been clearly visible. But how far have we come from that dream today?

Looking at the global picture, we can see how the 20th century has been one of rapid historical development and much re-drawing of geographical boundaries. At the end of WWII, and through the Cold War which followed, countries like China, Korea and Germany were left divided, while other countries, like those of the former USSR, were lumped together as part of a single state. Germany is so far the only one of the divided countries to have reunified-a fact which can in part be attributed to that country's national philosophy.

Pragmatism is a national characteristic of the Germans. Long before the two Germanies re-unified they already recognized each other and were regarded as equals on the international stage. Both enjoyed absolute domestic sovereignty and both were members of the UN, with the powers and obligations thus entailed. The road to German reunification involved protracted negotiations, the keynotes for which were parity and pragmatism-confronting the practical reality of the situation as the only way to achieve a concrete solution. In the cross-Strait relationship however, while there is great enthusiasm on both sides for cultural and economic exchanges, Beijing freezes up as soon as the issues of politics and foreign relations come up, and clearly aims to drive the ROC into a corner. Time after time Taiwan has been let down and left looking ridiculous. So much for being as close as brothers: we're not even friends, not by a long way. Under these circumstances, how are the people of Taiwan supposed to identify with such a "motherland"?

It has been suggested that since China loves face, there is no sense in Taiwan pointing out the reality of the two-states situation. But Taiwanese are Chinese too, and we can travel the world with our ROC passports-so why isn't Taiwan allowed into the UN? Why are we prevented from establishing diplomatic relations with the world? President Lee's recent statement has the support of 70% of people in Taiwan, the same as the percentage in recent years who have favored maintaining the status quo between Taiwan and the mainland. Doesn't this tell us something very simple? We are not opposed to a unified China, but the time is not yet right. And in the meantime, until a unified, strong China can be truly realized, the people of Taiwan need room to breathe-so stop trying to smother the ROC!

The two Germanies were able to negotiate eventual reunification, in spite of the economic gulf between them, because they recognized each other and because they shared a common history, culture, blood and feelings. But in the cross-Strait situation only one side is prepared to recognize the existence of the other, while the bond that the people of Taiwan feel with China is repeatedly injured. Does this help or hinder the prospects for the eventual reunification of China? Will gentleness, or severity, enable that goal to be achieved?

In this month's issue the cover story, "A Decade of Hakka Activism," is a call for dignity and respect by one of the ethnic groups that make up the population of Taiwan. We also have a special feature on Hsinchu, recording the development of that city, its science park and the surrounding environment. In "Reach for the Sky" we report on the endless pursuit of higher structures in urban Taiwan. "Nymphs, Babes and Hunks" takes a light-hearted look at one of the pitfalls of popular culture, and in "Modern Art, Eastern Spirit," we take a look at how modern artists see Taiwan society.

People who care about Taiwan should understand Taiwan, and it is even more important for people who care about cross-Strait developments and the prospects for China, to know about Taiwan. With that in mind, we hope that you will enjoy this latest issue of Sinorama.