A ‘red line’: Chinese embassy condemns Canadian MP’s visit to Taiwan

A Canadian MP is on route to Taiwan to assert “Canadian sovereignty” in the face of what he called is a warning from China’s ambassador to Canada against members of parliament visiting the island.

Conservative MP Michael Chong will meet with Taiwanese leaders next week. China’s embassy has already condemned the trip, arguing it contravenes a “red line for China-Canada relations.”

Chong, the Conservative shadow foreign affairs minister, said the travel serves two purposes.

Firstly, he wrote on X, “to show solidarity with a democracy at the front lines of intimidation” from the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

“Second,” he added, “to assert Canadian sovereignty in the face of a warning from the PRC’s Ambassador to Canada about Canadian MPs travelling to Taiwan.”

Chong is likely referring to a recent Globe and Mail interview with Ambassador Wang Di, who said trade between the two countries could be damaged if parliamentarians keep meeting officials in Taiwan, according to the outlet.

“Canada is a sovereign and independent country. We do not take direction from a foreign government about where Canadian MPs can travel internationally,” wrote Chong.

In a statement to CTV News, the Chinese embassy to Canada wrote that a “certain Canadian MP’s” visit to Taiwan contradicts Ottawa’s commitment to its One China policy.

Taiwan views itself as a sovereign territory. However, the PRC, led by Xi Jinping from Beijing, also claims territorial ownership.

Under the long-standing One China policy, Canada considers the PRC to be China’s sole government, “neither challenging nor endorsing” the Chinese government’s position on Taiwan.

“We urge Canada to earnestly abide by its one-China commitment, effectively restrain any words or deeds that violate the one-China principle, and refrain from interfering in China’s internal affairs,” reads the embassy’s statement.

Taiwan tensions

Taiwan was in the spotlight during U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to Beijing earlier this week.

Xi told Trump Taiwan’s independence and peace were as irreconcilable as “fire and water,” according to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning.

If the “Taiwan question” is not handled properly, Xi added on X, China and the U.S. could face “clashes and even conflicts.” Xi called it the most important issue between the two countries.

The U.S. has a longstanding commitment to help Taiwan defend itself if attacked. Late last year, the Trump administration has approved an US$11 billion arms package of medium-range missiles, howitzers and drones to the island, but has yet to fulfill it.

Prior to a two-hour closed-doors meeting with Xi, Trump called the Chinese president a “great leader.”

Taiwan will appreciate trip: MacKay

Ex-foreign affairs minister Peter MacKay commended Chong for his trip.

“I think it will be very well received by the government and the people of Taiwan,” he told CTV News Channel Sunday. Asked if he thought the trip might destabilize Canada’s trade relationship with China, MacKay said: “Canada either has to take a principled foreign policy stance or we don’t.”

Canada recently ignited an, albeit limited, trade renaissance with China. In January, Prime Minister Mark Carney led a trade mission to Beijing and emerged with a deal: Ottawa would allow 49,000 Chinese EVs into Canada under most-favoured-nation tariffs, and China would cut tariffs on Canadian canola seed, meal, peas and seafood.

At the time, Carney said the deal “reflects the world as it is today.” China remains Canada’s second-largest trading partner after the U.S.

MacKay predicted the governing Liberals would stay neutral on Chong’s trip. CTV News reached out to the Prime Minister’s Office for comment but was referred to another department.

With files from the Associated Press