Letter to the editor, Toronto Star, published October 19, 2005

Re: China as Canada's No. 1 trading partner? Not likely, Richard Gwyn, October 18, 2005

In all his enthusiasm for boosting Sino-Canadian ties, Prime Minister Paul Martin has become blind to the atrocious behaviour of the dictatorial Chinese regime. Before Martin embraces communist China as Canada's friend and ally, he should consider some important points about the Chinese leadership.

China currently threatens to upset peace and stability in East Asia by its belligerent military threats to Taiwan, a democratic nation that respects human rights. Beijing's autocrats still continue to defend the senseless killings of the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre. Residents of Toronto still have chilling memories of the 2003 SARS outbreak, caused by China's unwillingness to be open and frank about epidemics within its borders. China has also embarked on a campaign to destroy dissent in the occupied territories of Tibet and East Turkestan.

Amid the despicable acts of the Chinese government, Martin should remember that our trading relationship with China does not benefit Canada, with our trade deficit tripling to $18 billion each year. Is this the kind of "strategic partner" the Martin government wants?

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