Liberal Foreign Affairs critic Bob Rae and Vancouver South MP Ujjal Dosanjh met with members of the Chinese community in Vancouver today to discuss the relationship between China and Canada.

Though the roundtable was organized around economic issues, discussion was dominated by the topic of CSIS director Richard Fadden's allegations that certain provincial and municipal officials are in pocket of foreign governments. China in particular, Fadden maintains, exerts influence through universities and social clubs.

The first comment addressed to the Liberal MPs came from David Choi of the National Congress of Chinese Canadians, who expressed grave concern over Fadden's statements, which were first made in March at a speech by Fadden to the Royal Canadian Military Institute.

Choi stated that Fadden's comments have strained his relationship with contacts in China.

"I'm really disappointed with the comment," Choi said, "And I'm adamant in asking for Mr. Fadden's apology."

Dosanjh, who just returned from a trip to China with Opposition leader Michael Ignatieff, called Fadden's statements, "Absolutely unfair, irresponsible and unprofessional."

"We need to ask the Prime Minister and the Minister of Public Safety to be accountable on behalf of Canadians whose images have been tarnished," Dosanjh said.

Rae said that Fadden, "needs to put up or shut up."

The meeting also covered a wide range of economic and social issues. Vancouver Coastal Health board member James Hsieh spoke about the lack of support for second-generation immigrants having trouble integrating. Estelle Lo, CFO for a multicultural advocacy coalition S.U.C.C.E.S.S., spoke about the need for Canadian enterprises to maintain relationships with UBC and SFU graduates who have returned to Hong Kong.

Rae and Dosanjh spoke frequently about the need for Canada to facilitate contact between small and medium-size businesses and Chinese partners.

"Large enterprises can take care of themselves in China," Dosanjh said, "But small and medium enterprises could use some political leadership."

Underlying the discussion was Liberal criticism of the Harper government's China policy.

"Stephen Harper has made one trip in five years," said Rae, "I think there's a complete difference in emphasis."

"Both partners need to be excited for a marriage to work," said Dosanjh, "Mr. Harper has not shown that enthusiasm."