Politics

Canadian parliamentarians show support for Taiwan in Taipei

Beijing, Apr 12 (EFE).- A delegation of Canadian parliamentarians in Taiwan said Wednesday they support Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, adding that “Taiwan’s problems are Canada’s problems.”

Legislator John McKay, of the Canadian Liberal Party said he was “very grateful” to meet with Tsai at a time when “another country has tried to intimidate Taiwan militarily,” state news agency CNA reported.

“China has also tried to influence Canadian politics, which has caused us to be vigilant and democratic countries to unite in the face of this threat,” he said. “Our visit is aimed at showing that Taiwan’s problems are Canada’s problems, and vice versa.”

Apart from McKay, nine other legislators arrived in Taiwan, among them the vice president of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development, Stephane Bergeron, and Canada-China Relations Chair Ken Hardie.

“The importance of democracy, freedom and freedom of expression. And in this environment of freedom, different opinions can be held. But the debate will be constructive,” he said.

As published on their social media accounts, the Canadian representatives will also meet with Tsai and Vice President Lai Ching-te, as well as businessmen and local non-governmental organizations.

The arrival of this delegation coincides with the strong tensions between Beijing and Washington following the meeting held last week in California, United States by the Tsai and US House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy.

In response, China deployed military drills around Taiwan in recent days and imposed sanctions on Taiwanese and US entities and their officials.

Beijing considers Taiwan a rogue province since Kuomintang nationalists withdrew there in 1949 after losing the civil war to the communist army. EFE

jco/lds

Related Articles

Back to top button