'Development' is often spoken of as an end-in-itself, part of an inevitable march toward progress and modernity. What happens if we pause to take stock of the recent history of this development mantra--and examine who it benefits, who it excludes, and the price China and the United States pay for 'progress'?

Since the 1990’s, Sam Pa subsequently amassed a huge fortune by helping shady African autocrats sell their petroleum and minerals to China. Sam Pa was most of all a source of “rents” for several dozen corrupt politicians and officials in the resource-rich areas of Africa. However, Sam Pa’s arrest last month has put an end to his corruption.

If the ‘92 Consensus is respected, which is already the bottom line for a healthy cross-strait relationship, interactions could advance in ways benefiting both sides, which will continue to enjoy the bonus of the peace and economic cooperation. Efforts to put distance between Taipei and Beijing, whether made by domestic or outside parties, can only damage both sides of the relationship.

As the President of the United States while relations between the U.S. and China normalized, former President Jimmy Carter has enjoyed popularity among Chinese. However, it is his profound understanding of Chinese systems that maintains his appeal.

The leaders reaffirmed the fundamentally important role of the 1992 Consensus in maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, offering a status quo of peace and development. It provides guidance to the future development of cross-Strait relations, and all parties should value that no matter who wins Taiwan’s 2016 elections.

The world has to respect the patience of the People's Republic of China's vision to take the long view of reuniting with Taiwan in a peaceful manner. This is not only in the best interest of the people of China and Taiwan, but all of humanity.

The tacit accord achieved by Xi Jinping and Ma Ying-jeou reflects the leaders’ confidence and wisdom to tackle tough problems in an easy manner -- and open minds that can reach a compromise with friends. Cross-Strait relations have developed peacefully for over seven years and reached a milestone at the meeting.

Minxin Pei recognizes some brutal consequences of the one-child policy, and implores for outsiders and Chinese alike to emphasize the senseless cruelty that such measures imply and work to ensure that they are never seen again.

The U.S. vice president’s formal announcement that he will not run, and a lack of any other mainstream challenge, means the former secretary of state’s path to the presidency has suddenly been made smoother.

The expansion of the Chinese economy and the resulting improvements in the lives of Chinese people have been impressive outcomes of the just-ending Five-Year Plan, despite the recent slowdown in the economy. The blueprint for (2016-2020) is taking shape to build on that progress.