Conservative MP Michael Chong is travelling to Taiwan this week in what he describes as a move to assert Canadian sovereignty. The former cabinet minister says the trip is both to show solidarity with Taiwan and to stand up to China's ambassador to Canada.
Chong's visit follows a recent interview where China's envoy to Canada suggested that further visits to Taiwan by Canadian MPs could harm the new partnership between the two countries, which Prime Minister Mark Carney signed this year. Chong responded with a news release stating that "Canadians do not take direction from a foreign government about where Canadian MPs can travel internationally". He also stated on X that the trip serves two purposes: showing solidarity with a democracy facing intimidation from China, and asserting Canadian sovereignty.
The Chinese embassy to Canada has condemned Chong's trip, arguing that it goes against Canada's One China policy. While Taiwan considers itself an independent nation, Canada's official position neither challenges nor endorses China's claim on the island, adhering to the long-standing One China Policy. According to Global Affairs Canada, Taiwan was Canada's 15th largest trading partner and sixth largest in Asia in 2024.
Chong is expected to meet with Taiwanese leaders next week.
