 |
From the Publisher
Welcome to the first issue of ViaMei, Two Countries, One Source.
Here at ViaMei, we are dedicated to using our paper, ink and expertise as a bridge for communication between the citizens of China and the United States ！ the greatest developing country in the world and the greatest developed country.
Few international relationships offer as much promise as the one between these two great peoples. If the 20th century was the American century, then we |
|
might well be viewing the dawn of the Chinese century.
Imagine America¨s potential 100 years ago ！ a land that was still more rural than urban, a nation that was just hitting its industrial stride, a population perched on the cusp of consumerism. Look at China¨s potential now: A market economy has taken root, college classrooms are bulging, standards of living are rising.
For Americans in China and Americans who will be going to China, there is a world of promise. But barriers to understanding abound. All too often, these obstacles discourage Americans and Chinese from attempting even the most elemental contacts.
But we cannot afford to turn away from each other. Our futures are too important to leave U.S.-Sino relationships to diplomats and heads of state. Understanding can and must be fostered at the most basic level, by talking, working together and helping each other.
Our mission at ViaMei is to support and develop relationships between the United States and China by focusing on tourism, cultural and educational exchanges, and business. Our writers and correspondents will introduce Americans to destinations where they can experience the vibrancy and delight that comes with discovery. We¨ll provide introductions to government officials, businessmen, educators and other experts so that you can spend your time abroad productively.
For Americans living in China, our magazine will provide both a mirror and window. Within these pages, you¨ll find people like yourself, who daily deal with the subtle complexities of living in an introspective society. You¨ll find a worldview unlike that offered elsewhere.
For our Chinese friends, we will introduce you to people in the States whose viewpoints and perspectives will engage and enlighten. We¨ll show you places you¨ve already heard about and occasionally get off the beaten path, in a welcoming and wonderful land.
In each issue, we plan to editorially pair U.S. and Chinese cities and states, destinations and activities that are bound together culturally, geographically, politically or economically.
In this first issue, we have chosen to feature our home state, Kansas, and its sister province, Henan.
We are pleased to report ！ and we think you will be happy to learn ！ that once we got past the obvious differences, we found that these states share many attributes. It was a modest finding ！ just the kind of thing we enjoy learning about as we travel the road to understanding.
Finally, let me say that if this magazine is truly to be a medium of exchange, we can¨t be the only ones to offer views and opinions. Please write or e-mail us. It will help us tailor the contents to serve you better and provide your fellow readers with the insight that comes through communication.
|
