Introduction
This article presents an interview with Charles Lu, a Taiwanese-Canadian living in Laval, Quebec. Charles shares his experiences as a "1.5 generation immigrant," his perspectives on Taiwanese and Chinese identities, and his observations on the political landscape of Taiwan.
Charles's Story: From Taiwan to Montreal
Early Life and Immigration
Charles Lu was born in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, and moved to Montreal, Canada at the age of 11 to live with his grandmother and aunts. He is currently 33 years old and works as a solution architect at Ericsson. He identifies as a "1.5 generation immigrant," a term used to describe individuals who immigrate before entering the workforce, typically during their school years.
Language and Cultural Integration
Charles notes that his parents chose Montreal because it offered the opportunity to learn both English and French, providing him with a trilingual advantage. He points out that outside of Montreal, French is widely spoken in Quebec. He mentions that while Montreal is a more accepting environment for English speakers, speaking French is essential for job opportunities and interacting with government agencies in the broader Quebec region.
Montreal: Advantages and Drawbacks
Why Stay in Montreal?
Charles chose to stay in Montreal because of the advantages of being fluent in English, French, and Chinese. This trilingualism provides him with greater job opportunities and a sense of feeling at home.
Choosing Laval over Montreal
Charles explains that he moved to Laval from Montreal to find a house with more space for his growing family. He found that Laval offered a balance of proximity to Montreal and affordable housing.
Immigration Experiences and Challenges
Integration into the Workforce
Charles observes that many immigrants in Quebec, especially those in their 30s and 40s, face challenges in finding work that matches their professional backgrounds. Some successfully transition, while others pursue entrepreneurship or blue-collar jobs.
Who Thrives in Canada?
Charles believes that individuals who are adventurous and willing to step outside their comfort zones are best suited for immigrating to Canada. He also acknowledges the slower pace of life in Canada may not appeal to those seeking intense competition and rapid career advancement. A desire to provide a better educational environment for children is also a common reason for immigrating.
A Taiwanese Perspective
Political Concerns and Identity
Charles explains that a key reason his parents sent him to Canada was the political instability and cross-strait relations concerns in Taiwan. Many Taiwanese people, if able, seek to have options for living elsewhere. He identifies as a Taiwanese-Chinese, noting that while he has Canadian citizenship, he feels culturally and philosophically closer to the Taiwanese.
Taiwan vs. Mainland China: Values and Identity
Charles perceives a greater sense of friendliness and less complexity in Taiwan and Canada compared to some experiences he has heard from people coming from different backgrounds. He points out that while there are commonalities among all Chinese people, there are distinctions in values and perspectives between Taiwanese, mainland Chinese, and Hong Kong Chinese due to different political environments and systems.
Peaceful Coexistence and the "One China" Policy
Charles displays both the flag of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the flag of the People's Republic of China (China) at his home, representing his and his wife's respective backgrounds. He describes this arrangement as similar to the "One China, Different Interpretations" concept. He states that when interacting with mainland Chinese people, he finds them open-minded and understanding of his Taiwanese background.
Views on Cross-Strait Relations
Charles acknowledges the perspective of many mainland Chinese who view Taiwan as part of China, a viewpoint stemming from their education and upbringing. While respecting their view, he also maintains that the Republic of China exists in Taiwan. He expresses a desire for mutual understanding and respect between the two sides. He also says that some Taiwanese people do not want to be associated with either China and wish for their own unique identity.
Democratic Values in Taiwan
Charles affirms that Taiwan is a democratic, free, and rule-of-law society, founded on democratic principles. He believes that Taiwan has the ability and environment to progress in that direction. He also describes Taiwan's election process, emphasizing the use of secret ballots and the absence of forced voting.
Freedom of Speech in Taiwan
Charles confirms that freedom of speech is protected in Taiwan, allowing individuals to express their opinions about political figures, including criticizing the president. However, he acknowledges that there are legal boundaries, such as those against defamation. Charles also adds that while it is unlikely that anyone would get arrested for protesting in Taiwan, police would likely only ask protestors to leave if they were disrupting public order.
Future of Cross-Strait Relations
Charles hopes for continued peaceful development between Taiwan and mainland China, emphasizing that conflict would be detrimental to both sides.