The Second Asian Scholars' Convention opened in Taipei November 1. More than 50 scholars from 17 countries in the Asian and Pacific region participated in the three-day conference organized by the Asian Cultural Center of the Asian Parliamentarians' Union. President Yen Chia-kan addressed the opening ceremony, over which Dr. Chen Li-fu presided. The overall theme of the convention was "Asian Culture and World Peace." This included four main subjects: Confucianism and world peace, Buddhist culture and world peace, the influence of Islam and Christianity on Asian culture.
China Airlines opened a direct service between Taipei and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia October 31. The new service will be provided twice a week, with departures from Taipei on Mondays and Thursdays and return flights from Jeddah on Tuesdays and Fridays. There will be stops in Hong Kong, Singapore and Dhahran. The Saudi Arabians expect to open their own air service next April.
Premier Chiang Ching-kuo visited the flagship of the U.S. Seventh Fleet, the guided missile cruiser USS Oklahoma City, at Keelung Harbor October 28. Premier Chiang was greeted by Vice Adm. Robert B. Baldwin, Commander of the U.S. Seventh Fleet. After inspecting the honor guard, the Premier visited the Talos surface-to-air guided missile system and six-inch/47 caliber guns aboard the flagship. He was accompanied by Vice Adm. Edwin K. Snyder, commander of the United States Taiwan Defense Command and other top military officers.
Taiwan and Taipei City celebrated the Taiwan Restoration Day anniversary on October 25. In the provincial and city rallies statements were issued urging all the fellow-countrymen to strive to restore the mainland just as the mainland compatriots had recovered Taiwan from Japanese occupation in 1945. Civic organizations sponsored the dragon dance, the lion dance and various other entertainment in Taipei.