Mr. Speaker, on March 20, Taiwan held its third democratic presidential election. Close to 13 million Taiwanese exercised their right to vote, for a turnout of 85%. With the exception of one potentially very serious incident, the election took place in an atmosphere of calm, dignity and respect for democracy.
I had the pleasure of observing these elections as the head of the Canadian delegation to Taiwan. On behalf of all members of the delegation, I congratulate the people of Taiwan on their participation in the democratic process. The 500 missiles the People's Republic of China has pointed at Taiwan did nothing to change the Taiwanese desire for democracy.