For immediate release

Thursday October 13, 2005, Toronto, Ontario, Canada - Chinese ambassador to Canada Lu Shumin threatened "consequences" if Canada were to pass a private member's bill dubbed the "Taiwan Affairs Act" to promote cultural and trade ties with the democratic nation of Taiwan.

However, the Formosan Association for Public Affairs Canada (FAPA Canada) called on the Canadian government to ignore the rantings of the Chinese ambassador. "What credibility does China have to dictate Canadian foreign policy?" asked Dr. Harry Chen, president of FAPA Canada. "China is a country that operates over 1000 spies on Canadian soil, covered up its SARS outbreak so that it spread to Toronto, and continues to defend the senseless killings of democracy activists in the Tiananmen Square massacre."

China has a history of bellicose rhetoric when it comes to Taiwan, but it rarely follows through with retaliatory measures. Indeed China would not be likely to see a trade relationship with Canada disintegrate since China enjoys an $18-billion trade surplus with Canada.

"Canadian lawmakers should remember that Canadians value respect for human rights, and promotion of democracy and freedom in the world," continued Chen. "Thus Canada should promote ties with Taiwan, a democratic ally in spite of the objections from China's dictatorial regime."

"Why should Canada's policy kowtow to China when the Chinese record on human rights is getting worse each year?" asked Stan Lai, vice-president of FAPA Canada. "Will Martin and Pettigrew cave in to autocrats in Beijing, or will they take a principled stand for democracy?"

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