MPs from all parties in the Commons are on an official visit to Taiwan this week in support of the island, which still faces the threat of an invasion from China.
The parliamentary delegation is led by the Chairman of the Commons Standing Committee on National Defence, Liberal MP John McKay. He is accompanied by Conservative, Bloc and New Democrat MPs.
McKay said Taiwan leaders are very grateful to host the visit, which comes as China conducted military exercises around the island it claims earlier this week.
“At the end of the day, the goal is to support Taiwan,” McKay said in an interview, describing the island as being on the front lines of a geopolitical battle between democracy and authoritarianism.
“Ukraine has forced people to choose sides, to see who their friends are,” he said. In some ways, China’s bullying of Taiwan forces everyone to choose sides. »
China has considered Taiwan a rebel province since a civil war separated the two countries in 1949. To isolate the island, Beijing has for years blocked its participation in most international organizations and retaliated against measures seen as legitimizing his government.
The most recent example is China’s three-day large-scale military exercises in the region, in retaliation for the meeting between Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen and the Speaker of the House of Representatives in Congress. American, Kevin McCarthy, last week in California.
Last fall, the Chinese Embassy in Ottawa also warned of “resolute and forceful action” after another group of Canadian lawmakers announced plans to visit Taiwan. This visit went as planned.
The Liberal MP does not believe that the visit of a new Canadian delegation will harm relations with China. According to him, it is more important to show support for Taiwan.
“You just can’t give in to bullying tactics,” he said. So, yeah, there has been some thinking about that. But I think it’s important that Canada and Canadians show their support for the people and the government of Taiwan. »
He added that there were no indications of retaliation from China following the trip.
In a statement released after her meeting with the Canadian delegation, Ms. Tsai expressed her gratitude for the visit, while presenting Taiwan as a partner of Canada in the struggle to defend democratic principles and values.
“In the face of continued authoritarian expansionism, it is essential that democracies remain united,” she said.
“Canada is a very important democratic partner for Taiwan. We will do our utmost to jointly safeguard the values of freedom and democracy with Canada and other like-minded international partners. »
Canada and its allies are watching with growing concern China’s assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region, raising fears of an invasion of Taiwan and war.
A rapprochement, despite everything
This visit also coincides with reports of Chinese interference and espionage in Canada. The allegations also include alleged attempts to influence elections and steal intellectual property. China also arbitrarily detained two Canadians for more than 1,000 days.
According to McKay, China’s actions have brought Canada and Taiwan closer together despite reactions from Beijing.
“Over the past two or three years, the attitude of the Canadian public has changed dramatically,” he said. She now identifies with what is happening in Taiwan. »
Asked about the delegation’s visit to an event in Winnipeg on Wednesday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said it was important for Canada to show support for democratic values and principles around the world.
“That’s what we will continue to do with Taiwan. It is also why we deplore China’s aggressive actions in seeking to escalate tensions at a time when we should see reduced tensions, and more talks and peace in the region,” he said.
Taiwanese officials also briefed the Canadian delegation on their efforts to counter Chinese disinformation and online attacks, McKay said, while asking for Canada’s support in joining the known Indo-Pacific Free Trade Agreement. under the name of CPTPP.