Taiwan President William Lai on Tuesday thanked Canada for backing Taiwan during recent Chinese military drills. He spoke in Taipei as a Canadian parliamentary delegation adjusted its visit ahead of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s trip to China.
Lai praised Ottawa for publicly opposing any unilateral attempt to change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. He said Canada’s response showed growing international concern about regional stability.
The president met three visiting lawmakers from Canada’s opposition Conservative Party at the Presidential Office. Two members of the ruling Liberal Party ended their visit early after receiving guidance from the Canadian government.
Helena Jaczek and Marie-France Lalonde said they wanted to avoid confusion before Carney’s Beijing visit. They added that Canada’s overall policy toward Taiwan remains unchanged.
Lai said ties between Taiwan and Canada have deepened significantly over the past three years. He highlighted expanding trade and technology cooperation between the two sides.
A major bilateral investment agreement signed in 2023 helped boost commercial and research links. Officials said it supported cooperation in sectors such as semiconductors and clean energy.
Canadian warships have also passed through the Taiwan Strait on several occasions. The most recent transit took place in September last year.
Taiwan’s defense officials said those passages demonstrate support for freedom of navigation. They also signal international concern about rising military activity near Taiwan.
Melissa Lantsman, a senior Conservative Party lawmaker, told Lai that Taiwan is a trusted partner. She said Canada’s parliament continues to support Taiwan’s democratic system.
Taiwan’s foreign ministry said it respects the decisions of visiting lawmakers. It added that Taiwan welcomes engagement with all Canadian political parties.
Mainland Affairs Council Minister Chiu Chui-cheng said lawmakers in democratic countries make independent choices. He said the world is watching Beijing’s diplomatic pressure closely.
Carney is expected to discuss trade and security during his visit to China. Canada faces strained relations with both China and the United States.
Taiwanese officials said they expect ties with Canada to continue growing after the trip. They said cooperation would likely expand across trade, technology, and security fields.
Lai said Taiwan will keep working with Canada to support peace and stability. He added that both sides share a commitment to democratic values and regional security.
