The Honourable Lloyd Axworthy
Foreign Affairs Minister
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ont.
K1A 0A6

Re: Canada's Response to China's military actions toward Taiwan

Dear Mr. Axworthy:

We are writing to express our deep concern on China's stepping up its
military intimidation towards its neighbors in South East Asia.  China
claims the entire South China Sea and Taiwan as its territory, and has
"flexed its muscles" in the area.  China continues to brutally occupy Tibet,
and is today the only country still testing nuclear bombs.  Toward Taiwan,
China conducted missile tests off the shores of Taiwan in 1995, and continue
to stage amphibious military "exercises" near Taiwan.

Since its founding in 1949, the People's Republic of China has never ruled
Taiwan, nor do the 21 million people of Taiwan wish to be ruled by the PRC.
Rather, they desire to participate and contribute in the international
community.  Through the people's hard work and sacrifices, Taiwan has now a
vibrant economy and achieved peaceful democratic transition, with the first
direct presidential election slated for March 23, 1996. Taiwan is also
Canada's sixth largest trading partner and is the 12th largest trading
economy in the world.  Such progress should be encouraged, supported and
protected.  Unfortunately, the severe power struggle in China has seen the
leaders vying for military support, resulting in both a harder line toward
and unpredictable actions toward Taiwan.

Many wars in history have started due to the aggressor misunderstanding and
miscalculating the resolves of others. The Korean war and the Iraqi invasion
of Kuwait were launched after ambiguous signals were sent.  Today, western
responses to China's recent actions are also ambiguity. If China starts a
limited attack or even a blockade, it will shatter the confidence of all
East Asian countries on the western commitment to regional security.  The
resulting escalation of arms race could lead to disastrous consequences.
Canada should not be ambiguous, as it may lead China to believe it can
proceed further.

We applaud your recent speech that Canada is placing greater emphasis on
human rights. We also fully appreciate your statement about China that
"Sabre rattling is not useful, ... don't use the sabre." These words begin
to assert Canada's commitment for peaceful resolution of Taiwan's status.
However, we believe follow up action is necessary.

We urge you to make it clear  that:  1. Although Canada recognizes one
China--the PRC, there is also a sovereign Taiwan which has never been a part
of the PRC.  2. The status of Taiwan must be resolved peacefully and decided
freely by the people of Taiwan.  3. Canada supports Taiwan's entry into the
WTO, UN, and other international organizations.  We feel that in taking
these positions, Canada could contribute positively to resolving this
significant international issue.

Sincerely yours,

World United Formosans for Independence, Canada Headquarters