Published by: World Tibet Network News Saturday, November 29, 1997

November 29, 1997 Toronto Sun

Loud chants of "Free Tibet! China Out!" greeted Chinese president Jiang Zemin outside the Metro Toronto Convention Centre yesterday.

Other protesters among the 300 outside the Front St. entrance called for Taiwanese independence and an end to human rights violations by China's communist government.

Sheng Xue, president of the June 1st Massacre Investigation International, demanded justice for thousands killed or injured during protests in Beijing's Tiananmen Square in 1989. And Harry Wu, a political prisoner for 19 years in China, demanded "human rights for everyone."

At the fringe of the demonstration was a handful pro-Jiang supporters, including Charles Woo. He defended the government for raising the standard of living in China and said a strong government is needed in China because mass starvation is always only one bad crop away.

"Tiananmen Square was unfortunate," he said. "But it was necessary to prevent chaos and civil war."

Earlier at Pearson International Airport, an enthusiastic group of about 100 Chinese, waving Canadian and Chinese flags, greeted Jiang.

"I take great pride in the way president Zemin is treated with respect," said Hai Hui Lin, 24, of the UofT Chinese Students Association. "It shows that China is a strong country."

Lt.-Gov. Hilary Weston and Federal Transport Minister David Collenette officially welcomed the president and his wife to Toronto as they stepped to the tarmac.

When the motorcade arrived at the convention centre, the crowd of protesters were little threat to police lines. Dignitaries were quickly whisked in the back door.

Inside, Jiang and Prime Minister Jean Chretien posed for photos with Canada China Business Council members. In a speech to about 1,500 at a gala dinner, Chretien emphasized the abiding respect Canadians have for human rights.

"We believe that the free and open expression of opposing views is not a threat to any nation," he said. China's road to renewal will include improvement of individual rights, he said.

Jiang's speech celebrated the long period of friendly relations between Canada and China and opportunities for improved economic ties in the future.

Jiang was to meet with Premier Mike Harris for breakfast today and leaves Canada before noon.