Rally to Protest Chinese Military Hostility Toward Taiwan

The Taiwanese community in Toronto invites all peace loving Canadians to
join a rally this Wed., March 13 afternoon:
		4:00pm	Assemble in front of Legislative Building, Queen's Park
		4:40pm	March Toward the Chinese Consulate at 240 St. George
		5-6pm		Demonstration in front of Chinese Consulate
to show that Canadians are not indifferent to the danger that China's
military "exercises" and missile "tests" may turn into real aggression.

China has begun to conduct its third hostile missile "test" since July of
1995.  This latest missile test from March 8 to 15, is aimed near the two
largest ports, at 30km NE of Taiwan and 50km SW of Taiwan.  After firing
three missiles, China has announced that it will use live artillery for
future missiles.  It also announced a further live ammunition exercise just
west of Taiwan.

The Chinese authorities are uneasy about Taiwan's recent quest for global
recognition and the democratic transition cumulating in the first
presidential election this March 23. The People's Republic of China claims
that Taiwan is part of its territory.  However, since its founding in 1949,
the PRC has not ruled Taiwan for a single day. As the Taiwanese people are
showing eagerness to participate and contribute to the international
community, China decided to use military threat to try forcing Taiwan to
"come back to its arms" for "Chinese Unification."

Chinese military exercises, including the missile tests, not only threatens
people of Taiwan, but will also damage the environment, and endangers the
fragile Asia Pacific peace and security cooperation. Taiwan is Canada's 6th
largest trading partner and is the 12th largest trader in the world.  Canada
has substantial ties with Taiwan as well as vital interest in peace in the
region. The tension China has created in the region and the resulting
escalation of arms race can lead to disastrous consequences.  We ask all
Canadians to join Taiwanese Canadians in demanding that China respect the
desire of Taiwan's people for peace, dignity, and mutually beneficial
co-existence with China.

Taiwanese Human Rights Association of Canada
Formosan Association for Public Affairs, Canada
Taiwanese-Canadian Association of Toronto
Taiwanese Credit Union of Toronto
Taiwanese Merchants Association of Toronto
Taiwanese Seniors Association of Toronto
York Univ. Taiwanese Student Assoc.
Canadian Taiwanese Women's Assoc. of Toronto
World United Formosans for Independence, Canada Headquarters