QUESTION PERIOD — Foreign Affairs
Taiwan
November 3, 2022
The importance of the Canada-Taiwan relationship goes beyond Beijing-Taipei cross-strait security. Over 60,000 Canadians live in Taiwan, and more than 200,000 Canadians are of Taiwanese ancestry. Regrettably, Canada ended official recognition of Taiwan as a nation in 1970. Many governments adhere to the “One China” policy, declaring Taiwan independence an out-of-bounds internal issue. Canada trades with Taiwan to the tune of about a combined $10 billion annually, but what do we do when Chinese aggressions, economic manipulations or military threats are issued regarding this democratic island state?
Senator Gold, in my time working at the UN in Geneva, I witnessed how China uses back channel political clout and insinuations that amount to economic threats to work against Taiwan. Taiwan set a high standard for prevention and protection during this COVID pandemic using public health and economic metrics. China has increased its aggressive posture toward Taiwan.
Senator McPhedran, as I mentioned yesterday, there are a number of people whom I don’t get to on a daily business who want to ask questions. Could you please try to get to your question?
Thank you for the reminder, Your Honour.
Senator Gold, Canadian MPs led by the Honourable Judy Sgro visited Taiwan a few weeks ago, joining lawmakers there who have publicly called on Canada to declare support for this self‑governing democracy in the event of an attack or blockade by China as a way to deter any such aggression. What is the government response to this clear and pressing request on behalf of Taiwan?
Thank you for the question. Canada’s relationship with China, which implicates our relationship to Taiwan, is a complicated one, as we all know. It is one that Canada is not alone in having to manage.
With regard to Taiwan, which Canada values as an important partner, and with regard to your question about Chinese aspirations, aggressions and sabre rattling, I will remind you that, in October 2021, Canadian warships joined U.S. warships in sailing through the Taiwan Strait that separates China and Taiwan. Canada is managing its challenging relationship with China in a way that is also deeply respectful of the important ties we have with Taiwan.
In January 2022, Canada announced exploratory discussions with Taiwan on a foreign investment protection agreement, an evidence-based decision. You know the evidence, but I can’t go into it in this short period of time.
Senator Gold, Minister Freeland recently called for a re‑evaluation of global partnerships and alliances and breaking with autocrats. Does the government see greater partnership with Taiwan as an example of the Freeland doctrine of friend-shoring?
I’m not sure I can answer the specific question, but I can underline the government’s interest in and ongoing consideration of expanding relationships with Taiwan in the trade area. The government has agreed to begin these exploratory discussions on a foreign investment and protection arrangement with Taiwan and will continue to do so.
