The Comox Valley Mulitcultural Society and Maple Pool Campground will be hosting a screening of the documentary "Invisible Nation - Taiwan" on Dec. 6.

The free screening will be at the Florence Filberg Centre in Courtenay.

Taiwan, an independent country in Asia, has a virtual monopoly of one of the most important industries in the world: semiconductors 鈥� i.e., the microchip. The Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) makes an estimated 90 per cent of the world鈥檚 top chips. This technology is responsible for some of the most advanced electronics on Earth, from iPhones to artificial intelligence models.

Because of the importance of this product, mainland China is attempting to incorporate Taiwan as a part of the People鈥檚 Republic of China. Is an Asian version of the Russian invasion of Ukraine imminent?

Not if Taiwan鈥檚 leader can help it.

Filmmakers describe the documentary as 鈥渁n Intimate portrait of President Tsai Ing-wen fighting for the survival of Taiwan鈥檚 democracy at a time when freedom around the world is under threat from authoritarianism.鈥�

So what does that mean for Canadians, and why should Comox Valley residents be concerned? This, and other issues, will be discussed at a Q&A immediately after the screening, featuring a couple of very special guests: Lihsin Liu and Clive Ainsley.

Liu is the director general of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Vancouver. Prior to her current post, she worked in the Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs, Deputy Foreign Minister鈥檚 Office, Mainland Affairs Council, Department of North American Affairs and Department of East Asian & Pacific Affairs.

Ainsley, a well-known Comox Valley lawyer (retired in 2019) will also be on hand. Ainsley has spent nearly six decades actively involved in China and Sino-Canadian relations. Ainsley practiced law for nearly 40 years, and now dedicates most of his working time to his lifelong interest of human rights. He also teaches ElderCollege courses about the Chinese judicial system, and the status of Taiwan International Law.

The film screens at 6 p.m. with the Q&A to follow. Refreshments, tea and coffee will be served.