Atrium

EDITORIAL

Luís Sá Cunha

It is with pride that after nine years of publication RC is continuing to produce issues of the highest quality from a wide diversity of contributions.

These contributions are a reflection of the enthusiastic exchange of information between both Portuguese and Chinese researchers. Such fruitful collaboration has recently resulted in the abundance of Eastern and Western data and translated documentation, which promises valuable results in the future.

In this issue of RC, this blending of a common cultural identity is particularly reflected in the articles of Rui Loureiro and Zhang Haipeng. These writers are the top representatives of two juxtaposed universes. They reflect two 'mirror' images of the same reality, standing as examples of the growing need of an association of comparative Portuguese and Chinese sources for the continual research of a comprehensive history of Macao -- a research which should be scientifically supported by global multi-lingual sources.

There are still, naturally, obscure and sensitive issues to be investigated regarding the factual historical realities open to both Portuguese and Chinese interpretations. These issues will be resolved in an honest spirit of friendly collaboration. The passing of time has taught researchers that historical perspectives are never rigid and must always be open to revisions.

RC is therefore determined to actively support all initiatives essential to this goal of discovering and exposing constructive material. We believe that this positive support is the surest way to progressively substantiate the solid confraternity of our two communities.

The articles published in this issue of RC present a positive dynamism and a salutary confidence in the future. These articles can be seen as a continuity of an increasingly vast and coherent body of research, which has been steadily laying the foundation for future research in the debated topics.

We are particularly delighted to be receiving an increasing number of contributions from Chinese authors dealing with new sources and exposing facets hitherto unprecedented, on a number of themes. Consequently, we have been able to increase the number of articles originally written in Chinese, thus enabling readers who are unfamiliar with this language to satisfy their intellectual curiosity.

As RC approaches its tenth anniversary, we are please to have assembled a worthy body of work -- the result of a continuous succession of contributions and the endeavours of the Cultural Institute of Macao sharing the enthusiasm of many dedicated supporters.

RC confidently fulfills its function which is that of furthering the encounter of the Portuguese and Chinese languages and cultures through the reciprocal exchange of the values of their respective peoples, thus consolidating a cultural identity born here in Macao and strengthened throughout centuries of history.

Editorial Director

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