For immediate release

Friday August 19, 2005, Toronto, Ontario, Canada - Foreign Affairs Minister Pierre Pettigrew stated yesterday his opposition to the proposed Taiwan Affairs Act, a private members bill which would increase ties between Canada and Taiwan. The Liberal government's policy of kowtowing to China and isolating Taiwan shows that they refuse to stand up for human rights and democracy in East Asia.

"It is truly regrettable that the Liberal party continues to suppress democracy and human rights by cooperating with China's dictatorial regime," stated Dr. Harry Chen, president of the Formosan Association for Public Affairs Canada (FAPA Canada). "We believe that the Taiwan Affairs Act needs to be passed to show that Canada supports fledgling democracies like Taiwan."

The Taiwan Affairs Act, introduced by Conservative MP Jim Abbott, would lead to closer ties between Canada and Taiwan. At the same time, it would ensure Canadian support for Taiwan's observership bid at the World Health Organization.

"I find it astounding that Liberal foreign policy is made by Chinese government officials in Beijing," continued Chen. "Why is the Liberal party so unwilling to support Canadian values of human rights and democracy?"

"The Liberal party continues to hide behind the One-China policy, doing injustice to the democratic country of Taiwan" said Stan Lai, vice-president of FAPA Canada. "Pierre Pettigrew and Paul Martin just nod their heads at Chinese demands, no matter how many human rights atrocities this brutal regime commits."

The Taiwan Affairs Act passed its first reading in the House of Commons last April, and is expected to have a second reading in the fall session of parliament.

For more information please contact:
Harry Chen
48 Teddington Ave.
Markham, Ontario, Canada
L3R 6T5
(905) 475-0492
president@fapacanada.org