Former President of the Republic of China (Taiwan), Tsai Ing-wen, visited Canada and on the 21st, she had a dinner meeting with Canadian political, academic, and business leaders to express gratitude for their steadfast support for Taiwan. She expressed hope that friends from Canada would leverage their influence to garner more countries’ support for Taiwan’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
Tsai Ing-wen stated on Facebook that she had embarked on a visit to Canada in response to an invitation to the 2024 Halifax International Security Forum in Halifax, Canada. The forum serves as a significant gathering for democratic nations worldwide to discuss security issues and strengthen strategic cooperation. It convenes experts and officials in defense and strategic security from dozens of countries annually to promote closer strategic cooperation among democratic nations to address pressing global security challenges.
Tsai Ing-wen expressed gratitude for the warm reception from Taiwanese compatriots and friends in Canada. She stated, “We will interact with friends from around the world, exchanging views on issues such as democratic development and regional security. We will continue to strengthen Taiwan’s international connections, enhance relations with democratic partners, and ensure Taiwan stands firmly on the international stage.”
Over the past few years, global attention toward Taiwan has been evident, particularly with the significant enhancement of Taiwan’s relations with Canada. For instance, earlier this month, the Canadian Parliament passed a pro-Taiwan motion to continue supporting Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Moreover, in December of last year, Taiwan and Canada signed the Foreign Investment Protection and Promotion Agreement (FIPA), marking a milestone in bilateral relations.
She emphasized that Taiwan and Canada are democratic partners striving for freedom and peace, with highly complementary industrial structures. Taiwan now stands not only as the world’s 21st largest economy but also plays a critical role in the global supply chain.
According to reports by Central News Agency, Tsai Ing-wen engaged in a dinner meeting with Canadian federal MP Judy Sgro and other political, academic, and business figures in Canada. During her speech, Tsai Ing-wen expressed delight in reuniting with old friends and making new acquaintances in Toronto. She jokingly mentioned the presence of Canadian friends at the banquet despite American artist Taylor Swift holding a concert at the Rogers Centre in downtown Toronto, demonstrating unwavering support for Taiwan, for which she expressed heartfelt gratitude.
Tsai Ing-wen particularly expressed sincere gratitude to Judy Sgro. Sgro led delegations to Taiwan three times during Tsai’s tenure, each visit leaving a profound impression. In 2016, Sgro’s first delegation visit coincided with Tsai Ing-wen’s presidential inauguration. In 2022, amid significant pressure on Taiwan from across the strait, Sgro’s resolute support held great significance for Tsai and the Taiwanese people. Sgro visited Taiwan again in May this year to attend President Lai Ching-te’s inauguration, providing a warm farewell before Tsai’s term ended. She expressed special appreciation for Sgro’s dedication to deepening Taiwan-Canada relations.
During a meeting with Canada’s Representative to Taiwan, Jim Nickel last week, Nickel highlighted remarkable progress in bilateral relations between Canada and Taiwan, emphasizing they were built on shared values and mutual interests. With such a secure partnership, Tsai believes Taiwan-Canada cooperation will enhance security, prosperity, and resilience for both sides. She reiterated her thanks to Canadian political, academic, and business figures for their friendship and support toward Taiwan and the robust force they bring to Taiwan-Canada relations, while looking forward to exchanging views on how to further enhance bilateral partnerships for a better future of friendship and cooperation between Taiwan and Canada.
During the dinner, Tsai also expressed gratitude once again to Canadian MPs Judy Sgro and Kevin Vuong for their support concerning the recently passed Taiwan-supportive resolution in the Canadian House of Commons, opposing the misinterpretation of UN Resolution 2758 by the Chinese Communist Party.