我們在中國高鐵上

坐在中國高鐵上，窗外的城市與田野不斷向後退去。我們帶著一路交流的收穫，也帶著對下一站的期待，在鐵軌上繼續這次旅程。

離開熟悉的休斯敦，來到中國，行程中最珍貴的，除了會議與拜訪，還有人與人面對面交談的時刻。一聲問候、一番坦誠的討論，往往讓原本陌生的彼此，開始找到可以合作的方向。

高鐵縮短了城市之間的距離，也讓我想到，這些年我們所做的工作，同樣是在拉近人與人之間的距離。從創辦美南新聞，到推動國際貿易中心的交流，我始終希望，讓不同語言、不同背景的人，有機會認識彼此，進而攜手合作。

這次來到中國，我們探討德州農產品如何走向更廣闊的市場，也期待工商企業透過休斯敦，找到在美洲發展的機會。每一項合作，最終都要回到具體的人、真實的需求，以及願意持續付出的行動。

坐在車廂裡，難得有片刻時間整理思緒。年輕時遠赴美國，心中裝著對未知世界的憧憬；多年以後，再次穿行於中國的城市之間，肩上多了一份責任，心中卻仍保留著出發時的熱情。

世界局勢再多變，民間往來仍然值得珍惜。見了面，才能聽見彼此的想法；有了理解，才有可能建立信任。這也是我們願意遠道而來、繼續奔走的原因。

列車向前，窗外又是一片新的景色。我們稍作停留，便將走進下一場會面，認識新的朋友，也把一路累積的想法，慢慢變成可以落實的合作。

我們在中國高鐵上，旅程仍在繼續。我盼望帶回休斯敦的，不只是沿途的照片，更是值得長久維繫的友誼，以及能夠共同實現的機會。

Five Days at the White House Podium: Reflections on a Press Secretary’s Departure

The White House briefing room is one of the most closely watched stages in the world. Every statement can become a headline. Every answer can strengthen—or weaken—the public’s trust in government.

According to Reuters, White House Press Secretary Katie Zacharia was dismissed less than a week after taking office, following questions about her legal credentials and criticism of her early performances before the press. Her brief tenure ended almost as quickly as it began. (reuters.com⁠)

Having worked in journalism for many years, I understand that a spokesperson’s responsibilities extend far beyond standing before cameras and answering questions. The job requires preparation, an understanding of policy, and the patience to engage with differing views. A White House press secretary must communicate the president’s position accurately while recognizing that reporters’ questions serve the public’s need for information and accountability.

An answer can be polished, and it can be honest. Ideally, it should be both. But when the facts are incomplete, saying “We are checking” often earns more respect than rushing to offer certainty. Credibility grows through these seemingly small choices.

Today, political communication moves at the speed of social media. A brief video, an ill-chosen phrase, or even a facial expression can travel around the world within minutes. Such conditions demand composure from public officials. They also demand care from those who appoint them: qualifications must be examined, experience assessed, and preparation taken seriously.

There is little value in celebrating someone’s abrupt departure. The more useful questions concern the process behind it. Was the selection thoughtful? Was the preparation sufficient? Were questions about qualifications addressed clearly and promptly?

These questions also carry a lesson for those of us in the news business. When reporting a personnel change, we must distinguish between a resignation and a dismissal. A dramatic headline should never outrun the facts. Commentary may express a viewpoint, but reporting must rest on evidence. Speed cannot replace verification.

The White House podium will welcome another face. The public’s expectation of truthful information will remain.

Five days in office may be brief, but the lesson deserves to endure: authority gives a person a platform; professionalism and integrity give the public a reason to trust what is said.