I've written before of my regard for Harper's principled stand against fascist regimes in support of his country's values. Here is what Chinese activists in Canada have said:
Announcement in Response to Canadian PM Harper's Statement
On November 15, Prime Minister Steven Harper spoke about his private meeting with China's President Hu Jintao. He said "I don't think Canadians want us to sell out important Canadian values -- our belief in democracy, freedom, human rights ... They don't want us to sell that out to the almighty dollar.'' Harper's stand on not selling out on human rights is progressive and courageous. We wish to express our support and admiration.
The Chinese government, attempts to utilize its economic strength to convince other countries that they should change their attitude. In fact, some countries have given up their condemnation of China's human rights situation in exchange for lucrative business contracts.
China, with its huge economic force and population, has been identified by more and more progressive politicians as a potential threat to world peace. China often works in solidarity with other totalitarian countries to oppose the democratic world. It is vital that all freedom-loving nations unite against China.
Ironically, it was Canada's Liberal Government in the 1990s who initially developed the policy of separating human rights from trade in order to help China resolve its diplomatic troubles due to the Tian'anmen Square Massacre. But now, the Chinese Government tries to claim that trade and human rights are linked in an attempt to influence the Canadian Government's foreign policy. In fact, China is trading with Canada more than ever before.
The Prime Minister holds a minority government. Therefore, it is truly a brave stand that it has taken. Harper must tolerate a great deal of pressure from Canadian industrial and commercial groups. We call upon all Canadians to support Harper's appeal for human rights to be linked with trade in China.
Federation for a Democratic China, Canada