Taiwan-Canada relations took center stage during a major celebration in Vancouver over the weekend. The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Vancouver hosted a reception on Saturday to mark Taiwan’s Double Ten National Day. The event gathered political leaders, business representatives, Indigenous communities, and Taiwanese-Canadians to highlight growing bilateral ties and shared democratic values.
Director-General Liu Li-hsin led the celebration, emphasizing Taiwan’s democratic resilience and global contributions. She praised Taiwan’s achievements in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, human rights, and free speech. She also urged greater international participation for Taiwan in key organizations like the ICAO, WHO, Interpol, and the UN.
Canadian lawmakers showed strong support throughout the event. Conservative MP Marc Dalton called Taiwan a “beacon of courage and resilience” against authoritarian pressures. Fellow conservative lawmakers Tako Van Popta and Chak Au highlighted Taiwan’s strategic role in ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. Liberal MP Wade Chang, the only parliamentarian born in Taiwan, praised the contributions of Taiwanese-Canadians across the country.
More than 400 guests attended, including representatives from politics, academia, business, and media. Indigenous leaders also joined, showcasing the expanding scope of Taiwan-Canada relations. Nibun Chorus, an Indigenous singing group from Kaohsiung, performed during the reception, adding cultural depth to the celebration.
Chief Frank Antoine of the Bonaparte First Nation announced plans to lead a 30-member delegation to Taiwan in December. The group will participate in the World Indigenous Traditional Games, strengthening cultural and tourism ties. Antoine expressed admiration for Taiwan following his visit to the World Indigenous Summit last year.
Liu highlighted recent cooperation between the two nations. She noted that Canada has made regular Taiwan Strait transits since adopting its Indo-Pacific Strategy three years ago. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has consistently raised Taiwan’s interests at major international forums, including the G7 and the Canada-EU Summit. Both governments have also signed a memorandum on dark vessel detection systems to enhance regional stability.
Experts say the Vancouver celebration reflects a deepening partnership. Taiwan-Canada relations now extend beyond trade and diplomacy to cultural, security, and community engagement. Lawmakers emphasized that continued cooperation will support a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
Looking ahead, both sides aim to expand collaborative initiatives. Officials expect more cultural exchanges, security cooperation, and diplomatic support in international forums. The Double Ten event underscored growing alignment between the two democratic partners as global geopolitical dynamics evolve.
Taiwan-Canada relations remain a central pillar of this expanding partnership, shaping future cooperation in key regional and global arenas.
