Essence of 25 Years of Taiwan Studies (Historical Series)

Author: Li Zuji, Editor-in-Chief
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-06-01
Features: First, the Xiamen University Taiwan Studies team has a relatively relaxed and free academic environment. The team has always been a place where diverse ideas flourish and where intellectual debate is encouraged. If someone were to claim allegiance to a particular school of thought, they would immediately face criticism within the research institute. Second, the Xiamen University Taiwan Studies team has consistently focused on absorbing the different intellectual insights of Taiwan scholars both domestically and internationally. The academic vitality of Xiamen University's Taiwan Studies program relies on the knowledge contributions of colleagues both at home and abroad. Personally, I believe the greatest feature of Xiamen University's Taiwan Studies lies in its comprehensive discipline system, emphasis on fundamental research, and particular attention to academic rigor. Xiamen University's Taiwan Studies also benefits from its interdisciplinary research strengths. The cross-pollination and integration of disciplines such as political science, economics, history, and literature have laid a solid knowledge foundation for Taiwan Studies at Xiamen University. Looking ahead, we not only need to continue promoting the spirit of predecessors who have historically, comprehensively, and pragmatically understood Taiwan, thereby fostering academic exchanges across the strait and serving the great cause of national unification, but also to remain grounded, practice self-reflection, and strengthen both fundamental and cutting-edge research. The five collected essays in this issue, titled "Essentials," are in fact the academic self-reflections of all the full-time researchers in our institute. We hope that it has the honor of becoming a target for constructive criticism and critique from all academic peers deeply attached to and committed to the Xiamen University Taiwan Studies Institute. Any constructive feedback and corrections will serve as motivation for the continued growth of the Xiamen University Taiwan Studies Institute.