Banqiao City Taiwanese Xinpu middle-school student, Yang Zhiyuan’s painting “Peace” originally had the opportunity to be selected for commemorative stamps, distributed by UNESCO. But because of China’s interference, it was forced out of the competition. Although at the moment Yang is unable to do much about his predicament, he expressed that this has not discouraged him from continuing to display his works. He proudly stated that in the future, he will not be afraid to draw the Taiwanese national flag.

Yang Zhiyuan started drawing in preschool and this coming fall he will enter the eighth grade. He said that he enjoys painting. Initially, the inspiration for his creation came from the 911 terrorism event. On one side is a war scene; on the other are national flags from various countries, representing international peace. Two children on a peace dove soar over the scene, away from the terrorism and towards peace. Among the many national flags is the Taiwanese national flag. Yang Zhiyuan says that Taiwan is also part of the international community and it too, should condemn terrorism and advocate peace.

Yang Zhiyuan’s teacher Zhang Huimei says that the international Lions Committee’s “peace poster” competition has hosted many competitors. In Taiwan Yang Zhiyuan was in first-place and internationally came in second place among twenty-three artists. The international Lions Committee keeps recognized works and it reserves copyright. After the political interference in fine arts, Yang Zhiyuan and his family were quite frustrated. But after hearing that the Taiwan postal service has finally decided to distribute his stamp design, their disappointment has shifted to great happiness. Now the only issue that concerns Yang Zhiyuan is whether copyright privileges can be negotiated with the Lions Committee.