A delegation from the Canadian House of Commons is scheduled to arrive in Taipei today for a visit focused on national defense, foreign affairs and security.
Unlike previous Canadian visits that sought cultural or economic exchanges, the 10-person delegation aims to enhance cooperation in security in response to Chinese interference.
The group is to be led by Canadian Member of Parliament John McKay, who is chairman of the Standing Committee on National Defence and led a delegation to Taiwan in 2003. Other members include lawmakers focused on foreign affairs, such as Michael Chong (莊文浩), Heather McPherson and Stephane Bergeron. Lawmakers with a national defense focus include James Bezan and Randall Garrison, while Raquel Dancho and Ken Hardie work on public safety and national security.
Photo courtesy of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Toronto via CNA
Forming a delegation of heavyweight lawmakers from Canada’s four major parties “shows the importance we attach to Taiwan,” McKay said.
Without formal diplomatic relations, parliamentary diplomacy can be an important communication channel, he said.
The report “Canada and Taiwan: A Strong Relationship in Turbulent Times,” published on March 30 by the Canadian House Special Committee on the Canada-People’s Republic of China Relationship, delves into Taipei-Ottawa ties, he said, adding that the freedom and democracy in Taiwan are a model for the world.
As Canada seeks to increase its influence in the Asia-Pacific region, it is important to work with Taiwan, a like-minded country, he said.
In addition to meeting the president and vice president, McKay said he is looking forward to exchanging ideas with the Ministry of National Defense and national security agencies.
He wants to learn about Taiwan’s successes in combating disinformation from China, as Canada is also striving to tackle Chinese interference, he said.
Regarding Beijing’s response that the report was an attempt to “obscure and hollow out the ‘one China’ principle,” McKay said that China can criticize and oppose it, but Canada has absolute autonomy to act according to its wishes.
Scott Simon, a social sciences professor at the University of Ottawa, said he is happy to see the delegation visit Taiwan and urges the nations to cooperate on national defense.
Canada can invite Taiwan to be an observer at the Rim of the Pacific military exercises, initiate a coast guard partnership with Taiwan, and enhance cooperation in network technology and artificial intelligence, he said.
Canada has made clear that its “one China” policy does not acknowledge the claim that Taiwan is part of China, so visits paid by government officials are not problematic, he said.
Simon said that Canadian Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development Mary Ng (伍鳳儀) would also visit Taiwan soon.
She has had several discussions with Minister Without Portfolio John Deng (鄧振中) on a foreign investment promotion and protection arrangement, he said.
Representative to Canada Harry Tseng (曾厚仁) thanked Ottawa for its support of Taiwan, adding that the two countries maintain a cooperative relationship on a wide range of issues.
Sending senior lawmakers with expertise in national defense and foreign affairs to discuss issues at this time is of great significance, he said.
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