The federal Conservatives have accused the Liberals of bowing to pressure from Beijing, as some parliamentarians on a visit to Taiwan have decided to cut their trip short. Two Liberal MPs mentioned they are departing Taiwan based on government advice. The parliamentary delegation to Taiwan, comprising MPs from various parties, coincides with the prime minister’s visit to China.
Prime Minister Mark Carney is gearing up for a four-day visit to China this week, aiming to reset relations with the foreign nation. This visit marks the first by a Canadian prime minister since 2017 and will involve a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Michael Chong, the Conservative foreign affairs critic, criticized the Liberals for giving in to Chinese influence. Chong stated, “Two Liberal MPs ending their Taiwan visit early due to government pressure is essentially yielding to Beijing’s authoritarianism, weakening our democracy and Taiwan relationship.”
The parliamentarians on the trip included Liberal MPs Helena Jaczek and Marie-France Lalonde, along with three Conservative MPs: Melissa Lantsman, Adam Chambers, and Shelby Kramp-Neuman. The visit, supported by the Taiwanese government, featured meetings with Taiwanese officials.
In a joint statement, the two Liberal MPs explained, “As this part of the visit wraps up, guided by government advice, we are heading back home.” They emphasized the importance of avoiding confusion regarding Canada’s foreign policy, especially with the prime minister’s Beijing engagement, confirmed just last week.
The decision to leave Taiwan early comes amid escalating tensions between Beijing and Taiwan. China asserts sovereignty over Taiwan, which operates as a democracy, and hasn’t ruled out military action.
The news of the Liberal MPs’ early departure was initially reported by the Globe and Mail. While the Conservative MPs intend to complete the scheduled trip, Chong clarified that they were not instructed to return home.
Jaczek and Lalonde’s statement reaffirmed Canada’s stance on Taiwan, noting that Canada follows the “One China” policy. This policy recognizes China’s claim that Taiwan is part of its territory while maintaining unofficial ties with Taiwan.
Canadian parliamentarians frequently visit Taiwan, often with the trips sponsored by the foreign government.