[Editor's Note] Searching for Light

In the current dark tunnel of economic uncertainty, the recently concluded Economic Development Advisory Conference (EDAC) was like a ray of sunlight illuminating the way out. Although all we have so far are "points of consensus," and there is a long way to go before they are put into practice, the general direction is clear. This is good news, not only because all in Taiwan are deeply concerned about the economy, but also because economics is the true "common language" across the Taiwan Strait.

Of all the EDAC panels, that on cross-strait policy got most attention. The main principle agreed upon for cross-strait economic relations amounts to only four words-"proactive opening, effective supervision"-but they have brought new hope to business and confidence to the public. They have even attracted the attention of the international media. This is seen as both a political victory for the Chen administration, and an opportunity for a fresh start in cross-strait relations-a positive development for regional peace. Right now, in addition to the need for the ROC executive and legislative branches of government to implement the conference decisions as quickly as possible, the most important variable is the attitude of mainland China.

How will Beijing respond to the friendly gestures and practical policies announced by Taipei? This is critical not just for immediate cross-strait relations, but also for long-term prosperity on both sides. This is obvious from a look back at how the previous "no haste, be patient" policy, which is blamed for current economic difficulties, evolved in the first place.

In 1996, the ROC's first direct presidential election marked the first time ever that Chinese people could select their own leader on a one-man, one-vote basis. But it was also when cross-strait relations reached their nadir, as the mainland undertook missile tests prior to the election, creating extreme tension. The resulting freeze in political relations created circumstances under which any national leader of Taiwan would have to make national security the top priority.

The lesson of 1996 is that when the players in cross-strait relations focus on politics, they find few points of agreement. But when they stick to business, it turns out that the situations of the two sides are highly complementary. In this era of globalization, it should be possible to use both sides' resources to create a win-win future. This is the only approach that will bring prosperity and well-being for people on both sides.

Economics is increasingly the dominant power in the world. We hope that EDAC, which broke through the previous selfishness of political parties and factions, will create new opportunities for Taiwan. But we must remember that economic development is not an end, but a means: to achieve a higher quality of life and a better future. We must not destroy the future of our children and grandchildren in the blind pursuit of money. Even as we work to revive the economy, respecting and protecting the environment, and sustainable development, are increasingly important. In fact, Taiwan's main advantages for the next stage of economic growth lie not only in high technology, but in its natural endowments and cultural vitality.

In recent years, people from all walks of life-scholars, businesspeople, farmers, social workers, housewives-have been quietly working to improve our lives. Take for example reconstruction in the wake of the September 21,1999 earthquake. On the eve of the second anniversary of that terrible night, we visited the hardest-hit areas of Nantou and Taichung counties. Although inevitably there has been no return to the pre-quake situation for many residential areas and businesses, virtually all the affected areas now show strong signs of life. Farmers are working hard to produce more diverse products. Entrepreneurs are seeking new channels to market their goods. In one noteworthy example, housewives have organized their own theater troupe as a way to express and release their terror, pain, and frustration. Meanwhile bioengineering, developed cooperatively by authorities, scholars and construction firms, is helping protect many mountain areas from mudslides by recruiting local people as the defenders of their own environment.

It is not only on earth that Taiwanese are finding new meaning in life, but also in the stars. Our cover story focuses on astronomy in Taiwan. Leave aside political bickering and extend your vision to the universe as a whole. In recent years astronomy in Taiwan has made astonishing breakthroughs and achievements, and is working closely with the international astronomical community, building a record to be proud of-although, because astronomers mainly have their heads in the clouds and care little for publicity, they have thus far not gotten the attention they truly deserve.

As admirable as the accomplishments of modern-day astronomers, are those of their ancient Chinese counterparts. Long ago, our ancestors understood how to read the astronomical clock, and elaborated on real and perceived connections between celestial and human events. In those days, virtually everyone had some understanding of the heavens. Astronomers observed, recorded, and pondered the significance of celestial phenomena, and knowledge of astronomy affected the actions of rulers. Much of the information they gathered over the millennia remains valuable today.

There's no doubt about it. Whether you are taking the near-term perspective and looking at EDAC, or your thoughts are inclined to the cosmic scale, things are definitely looking up!