Times change indeed. Chinese have always been big on learning foreign languages; now it's foreigners who are crazy about learning Chinese.
Statistics show that over 100,000 people of non-Chinese ancestry around the world are studying Chinese, and classes are offered in over sixty countries. Why the fever? This issue's special feature reports on the phenomenon in depth.
After a two-year absence the R.O.C. delegation returned to the annual meeting of the Asian Development Bank, although they covered up their name tags reading "Taipei, China," and put up signs saying, "under protest." Most people believe the R.O.C.'s return signals a new flexibility in its approach to foreign affairs. But just how much room do we have for flexibility? Chang Hsiao-yen, vice minister of the R.O.C.'s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, talks about our country's new diplomatic approach in a special interview.
Experts are using artificial propagation in an attempt to save endangered species of animals from extinction. How and why? "Restoring Nature's Dwindling Minorities'" gives you the answers.
This issue's installment of our series on famous overseas universities introduces Edinburgh University, the school that produced Charles Darwin. In addition, pop superstar Stevie Wonder made his first visit to Taiwan, and the enthusiastic reception he received is going to increase the interest of other popular entertainers in the "Taiwan market."