Letter to the editor, The Edmonton Journal, published March 14, 2006

March 14 marks the first anniversary of China's "anti-secession law." It is legislation that signifies Beijing's unilateral claim to an island that it has never ruled; an island that, in mere 50-some years, rose to become an economic powerhouse in Asia; an island that has its own territorial boundary, constitution, and democratically-elected officials and leaders -- an island run by the government of Taiwan.

The "anti-secession law" was only one of the many threats China imposed on Taiwan. Beijing launched a series of military exercises in the vicinity of Taiwanese waters during the first direct presidential election -- an event dubbed the "Taiwan Strait Crisis of 1996." China's ballistic missile deployment proliferated from 200 in 2000 to 800 in 2006.

In the international realm, China has curbed Taiwan's access to the community, making it unable to gain membership or status of any kind to organizations such as the UN, and the World Health Organization. All of this bullying was done in the name of "reunification" with Taiwan.

In light of the never-ending threat and the escalation of tension across the strait, the government of Taiwan has recently decided that the national unification council would cease to function, and the national unification guidelines cease to apply. Because the vast majority of Taiwanese oppose unification with China, the Formosan Association for Public Affairs Canada, supports this decision, as it reflects the democratic principle of people's right to determine their own future. This decision was made in the interest of preserving Taiwan's freedom, democracy, human rights, and the cross-strait status quo.

Again, we would like to stress our stern opposition to any alteration of the status quo by non-peaceful means. We encourage the two governments to establish a dialogue and negotiation, as it is the only way to eliminate differences, build mutual trust and resolve problems.

President Chen Shui-bian stated clearly that as long as the principle of democracy is honoured and the free will to choose by Taiwan's 23 million people respected, Taiwan would not exclude any possible form of future development of cross-strait relations. We adhere to his decision of leaving the fate of the country in the hands of its people -- the ultimate consolidation of democracy.

Harry Chen,
President,
Formosan Association for Public Affairs Canada