Canadian MP visits PCT during private tour of Taiwan

["Taiwan Church News" <enews@pctpress.org>]

3074 Edition
January 24-30, 2011

General Assembly News



Canadian MP visits PCT during private tour of Taiwan



Reported by Sam Lee

Written by Lydia Ma



During a tour of PCT General Assembly Headquarter Office in Taipei on 
January 19, 2011, Canadian Member of Parliament (MP) Jim Abbott reiterated 
his support for Taiwan’s entry to international organizations. He also 
emphasized the two major differences between Taiwan and China: Democracy 
and human rights. 

Abbott has served as an MP in the Canadian parliament since 1993 and is 
currently a Privy Councilor as well as the Chairman of Canada Taiwan 
Parliamentary Friendship Group.

In 2005, Abbott put forth a private member’s bill named “Taiwan Affairs 
Act” – a gesture reflecting his high regard for Canada-Taiwan relations. 
His visit this year is an affirmation of PCT’s contributions to Taiwan, and 
his willingness to work with PCT in promoting Taiwan in the international 
arena.

Though “Taiwan Affairs Act” was introduced in the 2004-2005 national 
parliamentary session, it failed to pass its second reading just before a 
general election was called.

Abbott’s private visit to Taiwan included meeting Kaohsiung city officials, 
meeting with Tainan Mayor William Lai, giving a lecture at Chang-Jung 
Christian University, making brief stops at Taiwan Church Press and Tainan 
Theological College and Seminary, meeting DPP Chairwoman Tsai Ing-wen, and 
meeting and dining with PCT General Assembly leaders. 

Former Minister of National Defense and current Taiwan Justice Action 
Church Elder Tsai Ming-hsien accompanied Abbott during his tour of PCT 
Headquarter Office. 

Tsai remarked to Taiwan Church News that the Canadian government’s concern 
for Taiwan is an apt illustration of worldwide concern for Taiwan’s future 
and security.

Making a private visit at a time when the Ma administration has opted to 
neglect national defense and international diplomacy, and while China’s 
President Hu Jintao visits President Obama, Abbott’s visit is an 
encouragement and acknowledgment of PCT and Taiwanese people.

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