AS I was considering what to say to you, our dear readers, in this commemorative issue celebrating the 50th anniversary of China Today, the Chinese proverb, "Crouching tiger, hidden dragon," suddenly came to mind. I am, however, thinking of the proverb, and also the eponymous film, and its skillful blend of Western and Eastern culture that has made it an acceptable form of communication between people of diverse cultural backgrounds. This magazine, in which I have been put in charge, that is published in six languages and distributed to over 150 countries and regions, is engaged in just such Sino-foreign communication.

China Today was founded during the Cold War period, when the world was divided into two confronting political factions, by virtue of political ideologies, economic conditions, and social systems of certain countries. This magazine was set up to promote mutual understanding among peace-loving people of diverse countries, so as to achieve common progress. Our staff has accomplished this task, despite its challenges. During this process, we have all become keenly aware of the cultural disparities and similarities of different countries. Understanding disparities has helped nurture tolerance among humankind, and recognizing similarities has encouraged greater open-mindedness. All the editors, reporters, and translators involved in this work have been nourished by both Chinese and Western cultures. The knowledge that some of them have become renowned translators, dramatists, writers and diplomats irresistibly brings to mind the proverb, "Crouching tiger, hidden dragon."

Our magazine has always stood at the juncture of Chinese and Western culture, both during the decades when China was isolated from the world, and at present, when China is wide open. A significant feature of China Today is that the state leaders from different periods who have particularly espoused the magazine are those of a Western cultural background with a profound knowledge of Chinese culture. Our founder Soong Ching Ling (Mme. Sun Yat-sen) was born of a Christian family and educated in the US. She devoted her entire life to the promotion of world peace and understanding among peoples of different countries. Zhou Enlai, the initiator of the magazine, studied in France in his youth and stood for decades as an accomplished diplomat within the international political arena. This experience contributed to his ability to comprehend and be open-minded about different cultures. The same is true of Deng Xiaoping, who devised China's reform and opening up, and President Jiang Zemin. Their patronage of the magazine reflects the open-minded attitude of different generations of the Chinese leadership towards foreign cultures, and their desire to communicate with them.

This magazine has grown up with new China and provides the best channel for understanding China's construction over the past half a century. This commemorative issue, therefore, signifies the half centenary of new China, as well as of the magazine.

"For last year's word belongs to last year's language/ And next year's word awaits another voice." This is from a poem written by British poet T.S. Eliot, and I would like to interpret its meaning as that of the classic Chinese phrase, "Advance with the times." The glory of 50 years belongs to the past, but nevertheless inspires more beautiful dreams. At a time of global integration, we all shoulder the task of promoting communication and understanding among different countries and cultures. As President Jiang Zemin urges in his letter (see inside front cover), we shall work still harder for reform, opening-up, China's modernization drive and the noble cause of promoting peace and development for humankind. This is the goal of our efforts.

On this occasion o璺b听晸;c_W祚��铨 ┓殁�\)釓W�o I would like to express my gratitude to you, our dear readers, for your observant consideration, and care over the years. I look forward to sharing with you our dreams as they come true.