我们在中国高铁上

坐在中国高铁上，窗外的城市与田野不断向后退去。我们带着一路交流的收穫，也带着对下一站的期待，在铁轨上继续这次旅程。

离开熟悉的休斯敦，来到中国，行程中最珍贵的，除了会议与拜访，还有人与人面对面交谈的时刻。一声问候、一番坦诚的讨论，往往让原本陌生的彼此，开始找到可以合作的方向。

高铁缩短了城市之间的距离，也让我想到，这些年我们所做的工作，同样是在拉近人与人之间的距离。从创办美南新闻，到推动国际贸易中心的交流，我始终希望，让不同语言、不同背景的人，有机会认识彼此，进而携手合作。

这次来到中国，我们探讨德州农產品如何走向更广阔的市场，也期待工商企业透过休斯敦，找到在美洲发展的机会。每一项合作，最终都要回到具体的人、真实的需求，以及愿意持续付出的行动。

坐在车厢裡，难得有片刻时间整理思绪。年轻时远赴美国，心中装着对未知世界的憧憬；多年以后，再次穿行於中国的城市之间，肩上多了一份责任，心中却仍保留着出发时的热情。

世界局势再多变，民间往来仍然值得珍惜。见了面，才能听见彼此的想法；有了理解，才有可能建立信任。这也是我们愿意远道而来、继续奔走的原因。

列车向前，窗外又是一片新的景色。我们稍作停留，便将走进下一场会面，认识新的朋友，也把一路累积的想法，慢慢变成可以落实的合作。

我们在中国高铁上，旅程仍在继续。我盼望带回休斯敦的，不只是沿途的照片，更是值得长久维繫的友谊，以及能够共同实现的机会。

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.