On the third day of China’s second military exercise around Taiwan, 10 members of the Canadian House of Representatives from all parties arrived in Taiwan this morning for a week-long visit. The Canada Office (CTOT) announced the news of the visit today, emphasizing that Canada and Taiwan have many things in common and both understand the importance of international rules. This visit will help strengthen bilateral relations. The delegation will visit the Legislative Yuan later in the day, visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs tomorrow, and this week will also meet with President Tsai and communicate with national security agencies.
Canadian political circles have recently paid more and more attention to the situation in the Taiwan Strait and China’s issues. The Canadian House of Representatives Select Committee on Canada-China Relations released a report on Taiwan at the end of March, and a delegation of members of the House of Representatives came to Taiwan shortly therefollowing. In October last year, 5 MPs including Chairman of the International Trade Committee of the Canadian House of Representatives visited Taiwan. This time, the Canadian delegation doubled in size, with a total of 10 Canadian MPs headed by John McKay, Chairman of the National Defense Committee and Liberal Party Member .
Different from previous parliamentary groups focusing on economic and trade issues with Taiwan, Ma Kai told the media a few days ago that the members of this delegation are all heavyweight members in charge of national defense, foreign affairs and national security. Chong, NDP Rep. Heather McPherson, Bloc Quebecois Rep. Stephane Bergeron; in terms of defense, Conservative Party MP James Bezan, who serves as the vice chairman of the National Defense Committee, New Democratic Congressman Randall Garrison, Conservative Party Congressman Raquel Dancho, who is responsible for public safety affairs, and Liberal MP Ken Hardie, who is the chairman of the Special Committee on Canada-China Relations, etc.
The Canadian Trade Office in Taipei (CTOT) announced the arrival of the delegation through Facebook today. CTOT stated that Canada and Taiwan have a lot in common, “we both belong to free, open, pluralistic and democratic societies” and both understand the importance of strict international rules, because these rules will apply to everyone, big or small, strong or weak , and help keep us safe and prosperous. Therefore, we will benefit a lot by working closely with each other.
CTOT explained that 10 Canadian MPs arrived in Taiwan earlier today for a week-long visit. In the next few days, lawmakers will meet with President Tsai Ing-wen, Vice President Lai Qingde, business representatives and NGOs. They will also visit the Palace Museum and the exhibition of Canadian Aboriginal art at the Shun Ye Museum. CTOT stresses that their visit will help strengthen bilateral relations between Canada and Taiwan, “We hope that more other delegations will join in the near future!” Liberty Times 0410