TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Former Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) is reportedly visiting Canada next week to attend the Halifax International Security Forum conference, which begins on Nov. 22.
Reuters cited two diplomatic sources as saying Tsai will deliver remarks at the forum. However, Tsai’s office said it would only announce her itinerary once details are confirmed.
Tsai previously embarked on an eight-day trip to Europe. She first stopped in Prague to give a speech at the Forum 2000.
She then visited the French Senate in Paris and later traveled to Brussels, where she visited the European Parliament. The former president met more than 80 EU lawmakers.
Upon her return to Taiwan, Tsai noted in a Facebook post that she conveyed Taiwan’s determination and resilience in resisting authoritarianism throughout her trip. She emphasized to European allies that Taiwan is a trustworthy and reliable partner.
Tsai’s possible trip to Canada comes as Ottawa has deepened security ties with Taipei. The Globe and Mail reported that Canada has dispatched a cyber attache at its diplomatic mission in Taiwan. The cyber attache will team up with Taiwan government agencies on cybersecurity and foreign information manipulation and interference.
The two countries are working together to counter the common threat of Chinese hacking and disinformation. In January, Canadian officials were sent to Taipei to learn about disinformation during Taiwan’s presidential election.