Taiwan’s former President Tsai Ing-wen is reportedly planning to visit Canada next week to participate in an international security forum and deliver a speech. The visit has garnered significant attention as she has become a symbol of Taiwan’s resistance against the military threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party.
Like most countries, Canada does not have formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, but with Beijing escalating military threats against democratic Taiwan, economic and political exchanges between Canada and Taiwan have increased.
According to anonymous diplomatic sources, Tsai Ing-wen is planning to visit Nova Scotia on the east coast of Canada and will deliver a speech at the Halifax International Security Forum starting on November 22.
When asked for comment, Tsai Ing-wen’s office stated that if her travel plans are confirmed, an announcement will be made at the appropriate time, without providing further details.
Last month, Tsai Ing-wen visited Czech Republic, France, and Belgium, with her sensitive trip raising concerns about Chinese espionage activities and harassment. Current President of Taiwan, Lai Ching-te, fully supported her European tour, calling her the “best spokesperson” for Taiwan on the international stage.
Tsai Ing-wen remains a senior and influential member of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party. Her overseas visits are closely monitored by diplomats in the regions she visits.
During Tsai Ing-wen’s tenure, the Taiwanese government significantly increased military investment and deepened unofficial relations with major countries including the United States and Japan, which has drawn dissatisfaction from the Chinese Communist Party.
In Tsai Ing-wen’s second term, China conducted two rounds of military exercises near Taiwan, the first following the visit of former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taipei in 2022, and the second after Tsai Ing-wen’s visit to the U.S. and meeting with Pelosi’s successor, Kevin McCarthy, in 2023.
(Reference: Report by Reuters)