Letter to the editor, National Post, published September 7, 2005

Prime Minister Paul Martin has a unique opportunity to show his support for democracy at a state dinner this Thursday with Chinese president Hu Jintao. Mr. Martin can signal Canadian support for the development of democracy worldwide by expressing concern toward China's military buildup and its threats toward the democratic nation of Taiwan. The Prime Minister should also state that Canada opposes the use of force by China against Taiwan, and that the Chinese government should respect the right of the Taiwanese people to decide their own future.

Unfortunately, the Prime Minister has a history of placating Beijing, ostensibly to improve business ties between China and Canada. He neglects to point out that such trade ties benefit China rather than Canada, with the trade deficit with China tripling to $18-billion annually. Rather than trying to appease authorities in Beijing, Mr. Martin can take a principled stand and show support for Taiwan. Only then can he claim that his government supports the development of democracy on the international stage.

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