Letter to the editor, National Post, published October 15, 2005

Re: Liberals' China Syndrome, Bruce Garvey, October 14, 2005

Much of the Liberals' newfound enthusiasm for China is fuelled by political gain: Closer ties with China allow them to flaunt their anti-American sentiments.

But at what cost? The Chinese government offers favourable contracts to those nations that excuse its shameful behaviour. Is the Martin government prepared to excuse the human rights atrocities committed by the Chinese government? Will Ottawa downplay the persecution of Falun Dafa practitioners and the military threat to democratic Taiwan?

It's true that Washington's stance on the softwood lumber dispute is regrettable. But is it more regrettable than the severe crackdown on political dissent and free speech in China?

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