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Prominent Taiwanese writer and historian Li Ao,
70, gestures at a news conference after he arrives at Capital
International Airport in Beijing September 19, 2005.
Li Ao is in Beijing to begin his mainland tour, his first trip
in 56 years. (newsphoto) |
Li Ao, a prominent Taiwan writer, outspoken TV commentator, historian
and lawmaker, arrived in Beijing yesterday for his first visit to the
mainland in 56 years.
Li, 70, said he was driven not by nostalgia but by curiosity,
maintaining he did not come to see the old China he had lived in, but
rather "to see the new China."
During a 12-day visit, he will speak to students at three prestigious
universities Peking University tomorrow, Tsinghua University on Friday and
Shanghai's Fudan University next Monday.
He will meet alumni of his former primary school in Beijing, visit the
Palace Museum and participate in TV programmes and online chats.
Waving his new passport before departing Monday from Taipei, Li said he
was eager to make his first trip since his family left the mainland in
1949.
After visiting Beijing, he will head to Shanghai, where he will give a
lecture at Fudan University, before visiting Hong Kong prior to returning
to Taiwan on September 30.
Last week, at a conference organized by Hong Kong-based Phoenix
Satellite Television, Li said he hoped the trip would promote cultural
exchanges across the Taiwan Straits.
Li was born in the city of Harbin in Northeast China and grew up in
Beijing. At the age of 14, he moved with his family to Shanghai and from
there to Taiwan in 1949.
He is well-known by mainland intellectuals for his
satire, sharp commentaries and poignant
criticism.
He is also credited as a staunch advocate of China's reunification,
which he believes is "irresistible," and has maintained that the sooner
reunification comes, the more beneficial it will be for Taiwan.
In a related development, Peking University authorities say Li will be
permitted to read some ancient books, which are rarely shown to the
public.
Beijing's No 4 Middle School, Li's alma mater, also says it plans to
give him his student card as a gift.
Li published his autobiography in 2001. His novels
include "Mountaintop Love."
(Agencies) |