TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Canada’s House of Commons called on the government to highlight Taiwan’s right to self-determination in its next updated Indo-Pacific Strategy.
The Special Committee on the Canada-People's Republic of China Relationship said in an Indo-Pacific report, “Taiwan's future must be determined peacefully and in accordance with the wishes of the Taiwanese people.” It also urged Canada to join democratic partners in backing Taiwan's global participation.
The committee pointed out that Canada stated it would “push back against any unilateral actions that threaten the status quo in the Taiwan Strait” in its 2022 Indo-Pacific Strategy. The report also mentioned that Weldon Epp, Assistant Deputy Minister for the Indo-Pacific, reiterated Canada’s opposition to unilateral changes to the Taiwan Strait status quo before the special committee.
Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy was first introduced on Nov. 27, 2022, outlining the country’s new regional policy directions. The strategy proposed plans to enhance ties with Taiwan in trade, technology, democratic governance, and countering disinformation. It also pledged to help Taiwan strengthen resilience and bolster people-to-people relations.