Letter to the editor, National Post, published July 16, 2005

Re: Blinded by Beijing, Gregory Levey, July 15, 2005

Gregory Levey's insightful column, detailing despicable actions by the Chinese government, should remind readers about the Chinese government's brutal clampdown on freedom and democracy, along with the human rights abuses it commits.

Unfortunately, Beijing's reign of terror does not stop with the persecution of political dissidents. The Chinese government continues to systematically destroy Tibetan and Uyghur culture, while denying the right of self-determination to these peoples. China also insists on impeding democracy in Hong Kong, reneging on promises to implement universal suffrage in the administrative territory by 2008.

In addition, China continues to conduct a crackdown on Falun Dafa adherents through torture, intimidation and police brutality.

Finally, China persists in making military threats towards Taiwan, which is a democratic nation that respects human rights and democracy.

However tempting China's market opportunities may be, it is imperative to let Beijing's officials know that Canada categorically opposes the shameful behaviour of the People's Republic of China.

Stan Lai,
Vice-President,
Formosan Association for Public Affairs Canada