March 15, 2005 (2:50 p.m.)
No. 46

STATEMENT BY MINISTER PETTIGREW ON
CHINA’S ANTI-SECESSION LAW

Foreign Affairs Minister Pierre Pettigrew today issued the following statement regarding the passage of China’s anti-secession law by the National People’s Congress:

“Canada adheres to a ‘One China’ policy. Unilateral action by either side to change Taiwan’s status is unacceptable. This includes the use of force.

“We are especially concerned that the codification in the anti-secession law of the option to resort to non-peaceful means could contribute to increased tensions in the region.

“Canada calls on leaders from both sides to reopen the dialogue in pursuit of mutual understanding and reduced tensions.”

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Sébastien Théberge
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Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
(613) 995-1851

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Foreign Affairs Canada
(613) 995-1874
http://www.international.gc.ca