Cross-Straits scholars hold exchanges
By Cui Ning (China Daily)
Updated: 2004-07-24 00:25

Young scientists from the mainland and Taiwan are attending a symposium in Beijing to discuss urban planning, architecture, ecological, health and medical care issues that are crucial to both sides.

It is the fifth time that young scientists from the two sides have attended the Cross-Straits Academic Symposium.

The Chinese Association of Science and Technology (CAST) and the Taiwan-based Straits Academic and Cultural Exchange Association (SACEA) inaugurated the event in 1999.

The economic, scientific and cultural prosperity of the two sides will benefit all Chinese and combine to make the country stronger internationally, said Zhou Guangzhao, chairman of CAST.

Deeper cross-Straits scientific co-operation is needed to allow China to face fierce global challenges, he said.

Zhou said the annual symposium has become an important platform for young scientists from the two sides to conduct exchanges and enhance mutual understanding.

Ting Yi Ni, honorary director of SACEA, said discussions between young scientists from the mainland and Taiwan will inevitably create fruitful results.

"I hope that scientists from the two sides can work together to jointly reinforce patriotism," he said.

Ting said he was deeply impressed by the mainland's donation of medical equipment to Taiwan during last year's fight against the SARS, or severe acute respiratory syndrome.

During the four-day symposium, Zhou Chang, a researcher with the Beijing Architecture Association, said the national capital's architectural development had been generally good from 1950, the year after the founding of the People's Republic of China, until now.

The diverse buildings have gone up rapidly since 1990, when the country started to become a market economy.

However, the urban sprawl has also damaged the environment and traditional culture. Maintaining harmony between construction and traditional culture should be among the top priorities of Chinese architects, said Zhou.

He said foreign architects have been taking part in designing buildings in Beijing in recent years, such as the new building of the Capital International Airport.

"As long as their designs are rational and environmentally-friendly, we should actively adopt their work -- even if it competes with domestic architects," he said.

The symposium is scheduled to conclude on Saturday.