Letter from Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs to Canadian MP on Human Rights Issue in China

Minister of Foreign Affairs
The Honorable
Bill Graham

April 15, 2002

Dr, Keith Martin. M.P

Dear Dr. Martin:

This is in reply to your letter of January 11,2002, addressed to my predecessor concerning the December 28 New Year's exhibition at the Embassy of the People's Republic of China. I regret the delay in replying to you.

When I was still Chairman of SCFATT, I met with some of the people who had been at the events, and I agree with you that we must make clear our concerns. I understand that the events of December 28 were reported to the police and that a police investigation is under way. In addition, departmental officials have brought the concerns of Canadian Falun Gong practitioners to the attention of the Chinese Embassy.

In meeting with senior Chinese leaders and during regular dialogue with Chinese officials, Canada has consistently underlined the concern of many Canadians regarding reports of the mistreatment of Falun Gong practitioners.

Prime Minister Chretien intervened strongly on human rights during the Team Canada visit to China in February 2001, and he again raised Canadian human rights concerns during his visit to Shanghai in October 2001. In a recent meeting with the Chinese Foreign Minister, Minister Manley raised continuing Canadian concerns about human rights in China, including freedom of spiritual practice. Human rights were also raised during the January 2001 visit to Canada of the Chinese Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wang Guangya, and during the visit to China in December 2001 of the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affair.

Please be assured that we will continue to make our views known to the Chinese authorities.

Sincerely,

(Signature)

Canada