Canada's Representative: Framework for Canada-Taiwan Relations Unchanged, Indo-Pacific Strategy Explicitly Mentions Taiwan [Interview]

(CNA) - Marie Louise Hannan, Representative of the Canadian Trade Office in Taipei, stated in an interview with CNA that Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy explicitly mentions Taiwan, and the overall framework for Canada-Taiwan interactions remains unchanged. When asked about Canada's focus on relations with China, she said Ottawa "talks to Taipei about Taipei" and continues to engage with Taipei in various fields.

Hannan took office in September last year and was interviewed by CNA on June 29, her first interview with a Chinese-language media outlet since assuming her post.

Since Canada released its Indo-Pacific Strategy in November 2022, Canada-Taiwan relations have deepened. Not only have Canadian warships transited the Taiwan Strait eight times, but the Canada-Taiwan "Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement" (FIPA) came into effect in 2024, and a "Memorandum of Understanding on Dark Vessel Detection Systems" is set to be signed in August 2025, with a closed-door maritime workshop already held.

However, Canada-Taiwan relations faced challenges after Prime Minister Mark Carney took office in March 2025. Canadian Members of Parliament Helena Jaczek and Marie-France Lalonde cut short their visit to Taiwan on January 13, citing advice from the Canadian government. This occurred just before Carney's visit to Beijing, making him the first Canadian Prime Minister to visit China since 2017.

Less than a month later, Taiwan's Representative to Canada, David Chen, mentioned in a foreign media interview that Taiwan and Canada had completed negotiations on a "Trade Cooperation Framework Agreement" (TCFA) as early as April 2025, but it has yet to be signed, urging Ottawa to show "courage" in its dealings with China.

In response, Hannan stated that Canada maintains a positive approach to its interactions with Taiwan, and this has not changed. Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy explicitly mentions Taiwan, and Canada's One China policy has also not changed, therefore the fundamental framework of bilateral relations remains unchanged, despite the circumstances during the visit of the Canadian parliamentary delegation.

Hannan also explained that the early departure from Taiwan was a decision made by the Members of Parliament themselves.

Regarding the stalled progress of the TCFA, Hannan said that substantive negotiations for the TCFA have been completed and it is currently in the post-negotiation phase, with further consultations underway. "I would say that this is not an uncommon situation." The free trade agreement between Canada and South Korea took eight years to negotiate, but this does not mean Canada is not interested.

When asked about reports suggesting that the stalled progress of the TCFA is due to Chinese influence, Hannan said that Ottawa's interactions with Taipei are "on its own merits," while also valuing its engagement with Beijing.

Hannan also mentioned that Canada's new government faces a highly challenging situation, especially with the United States, its largest economic partner, implementing reciprocal tariff policies. "So I think it's understandable anywhere that Canada has to prioritize its work in an order that balances various different priorities." (Editor: Hsieh Chia-chen) 1150701

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