Compiled by EastSouthWestNorth (link):
The United Nations decided to start using simplified Chinese characters in its official documents since 2008, fueling controversy in Greater China and among Chinese people elsewhere. There are different opinions about the decision, which can be seen from the two snapshots by Taipei Times and China Radio International (CRI), respectively below:
(Taipei Times) The UN plans to use only simplified Chinese characters on its Web sites and documents starting in 2008. Since many countries see China as a potential superpower, the decision is understandable. But traditional Chinese characters are symbols of the Chinese arts and culture and should be respected by the world, regardless of whether the UN uses them or not.
(CRI) Regarding the application of simplified Chinese in other regions congregating Chinese people except for the mainland, experts indicate that many schools in Hong Kong have promoted putonghua education. Though the HK Special Administrative Region government has not made a specific policy, the public is paying more attention to putonghua education. In addition, some Taiwanese also use simplified Chinese.
See also a petition against the UN decision addressed to Secretary General Kofi Annan
