Australian politicians have lauded Taiwan's positive contribution to the Asia-Pacific region, praised its democratic system and expressed hope that Taiwan may participate more fully in international affairs.
Present at a post-APEC dinner held by Taiwan's de facto embassy were a host of Australian politicians, including NSW Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell and Nationals Leader Andrew Stoner. Most who spoke referred to Taiwan as a "country". Particularly outspoken was Liberal MP Gary Hardgrave, who said he hoped one day to see Taiwan's president representing the country at an APEC forum.
Under fierce pressure from Beijing, which regards Taiwan as a renegade province, Taiwan participates in the 21-member grouping as an "economy". Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian is not allowed to represent Taiwan at APEC, but was represented this year by millionaire founder of the Acer computer company, Stan Shih.
"It is right that a vigorous and strong democracy is involved in [APEC]," Mr Hardgrave told the dinner at Sydney's Sheraton Hotel, which was organised by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, Taiwan's de-facto embassy. "I hope and pray that one day we will see a president of Taiwan participating in a Taiwan summit."
Mr Hardgrave praised Taiwan's democracy and said Taiwan is "the most patient nation on earth", because many other democracies "don't treat it fully with the recognition and respect that it deserves".
Australia considers Taiwan a province of China, but maintains substantive unofficial dealings with the island democracy in areas such as quarantine and education. Taiwan was Australia's ninth largest trading partner over 2005–06, with exports to Taiwan totalling $A5.9 billion.
For diplomatic reasons, Mr Howard made no plans to hold a bilateral meeting with Dr Stan Shih. But it is understood Mr Howard directly approached Dr Shih during the course of APEC and the two had a cordial conversation.
When asked by The Epoch Times whether the Taiwan APEC delegation's name of "Chinese Taipei" was appropriate, Mr Hardgrave said he found the name "discomforting".
"I think it's just one of those awkward realities that Taiwan puts up with," Mr Hardgrave said.
"I personally find it discomforting because I think they should be able to describe themselves as they see fit, within reason.
"But because they are a democracy and because they believe in a diplomatic approach to things, they are out to participate without offering an embarrassment."
Taiwan's de-facto ambassador to Australia, Gary Lin, told the audience that Taiwan had "fought a good fight on the diplomatic front" this year at APEC.
Taiwan delegation leader Stan Shih said APEC cares about Taiwan's participation because it is one of the strongest economies in the Asia-Pacific region, as well as a democratisation success story and a co-operative partner in the region.
"As long as we continue moving down this great path of freedom, democracy and human rights, Taiwan will not only enjoy sustainable development, but also become the pride of all ethnic Chinese communities," Dr Shih said.
Mrs Margaret May, Gold Coast MP and chairperson of the Australia-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Group, pledged support for Taiwan in its bid to protect the principles of democracy.
"We support Taiwan because of your continuing commitment to democracy against a challenging and difficult relationship with the People's Republic of China," Mrs May said.
"The cross-strait relationship is a complicated knot that nobody can untie."
Feeds