The Conservative Party has accused the Liberal government of yielding to pressure from Beijing by cutting short a parliamentary trip to Taiwan. The decision to return early was made by two Liberal MPs following advice from government officials. The delegation, comprising members from various political parties, coincided with Prime Minister Mark Carney’s upcoming visit to China, aimed at resetting diplomatic ties.
Prime Minister Carney’s visit is significant as it marks the first trip by a Canadian prime minister to China since 2017. The trip will include meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping, with the goal of improving relations with China. Conservative foreign affairs critic Michael Chong criticized the Liberals, claiming they were bowing to Chinese influence.
Chong stated that the premature departure of the two Liberal MPs from Taiwan due to government pressure was a sign of submission to Beijing’s authoritarian tactics. The move was criticized for undermining Canada’s democracy and relationship with Taiwan. The MPs on the Taiwan trip included Liberal members Helena Jaczek and Marie-France Lalonde, as well as Conservative MPs Melissa Lantsman, Adam Chambers, and Shelby Kramp-Neuman.
The parliamentary visit to Taiwan, sponsored by the Taiwanese government, involved meetings with local officials. The decision to cut short the visit was explained by the Liberal MPs as a measure to prevent confusion regarding Canada’s foreign policy, especially given the overlap with the Prime Minister’s visit to China.
The early return of the Liberal MPs comes amidst escalating tensions between China and Taiwan, with Beijing asserting sovereignty over the island. While the Conservative MPs are continuing their scheduled trip, the Liberal MPs’ departure was not requested by the government. Canada’s stance on Taiwan remains unchanged, adhering to the “One China” policy that recognizes China’s claim over Taiwan while maintaining unofficial relations with the island.
Canadian parliamentarians frequently visit Taiwan, often with expenses sponsored by the foreign government. The news of the Liberal MPs’ early departure was first reported by the Globe and Mail.