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Canada changes mind over visa

Democratic Progressive Party Chairman Yu Shyi-kun shows his passport to reporters after a meeting with the acting representative of the Canadian Trade Office yesterday. Yu was given a Canadian visa after his first application was denied. PHOTO: CHIEN JUNG-FONG, TAIPEI TIMES

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Chairman Yu Shyi-kun obtained a visa to visit Canada yesterday after the party criticized the Canadian Trade Office in Taipei on Tuesday for rejecting his initial application, saying Yu's application had been rejected because of pressure from China.

When approached by reporters yesterday morning after a meeting with Rosaline Kwan, acting representative of the office, Yu said Kwan had told him that the recent typhoons may have slowed the visa process, yet the visa application had not only been delayed but also eventually rejected.

"We all know that China interfered," Yu said, without providing evidence.

DPP Culture and Information Department Director Super Meng (孟義超) said Yu submitted his application two weeks ago, but had been informed over the telephone on Monday that the office would not issue Yu a visa because "the timing was improper."

The party was not informed of the office's change of heart and decision to issue Yu a visa until 9am yesterday, Meng said.

"We all know that China interfered."

Yu Shyi-kun, DPP chairman

The office's Web site states that visa applicants can usually collect their passports and visas one day after filing an application.

When asked for comment, Sylvia Yan (顏文君), the trade office's public relations representative, told the Taipei Times that the office would not comment on visa applications.

Meng, however, said the delay showed that China regards Yu as a "prime enemy" because China interferes each time Yu plans trips abroad.

Yu was denied a visa by Thailand and had his visa to Vietnam canceled last month when he planned a Southeast Asian tour. Only the Philippines allowed him to visit.

Yu showed the media his canceled Vietnamese visa and said that China considered him an "eyesore" because he advocates changing the nation's title and writing a new constitution.

Yu was scheduled to fly to Toronto today.
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