Canadian Political Figures Speak Out in Support of Taiwan, Protesting Chinese Ambassador's Threatening Remarks
Several Canadian parliamentarians publicly voiced their support for Taiwan, protesting the Chinese Ambassador to Canada's remarks. The ambassador called the Taiwan issue an 'insurmountable red line' and warned against Canadian MPs visiting Taiwan and warships transiting the Taiwan Strait. This highlights tensions between Canada-China relations and Taiwan's international status.
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- 📰 Published: May 2, 2026 at 15:55
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Central News Agency
(Central News Agency reporter Cheng Ai-fen, Vancouver, 1st) Several Canadian senators and members of parliament have publicly spoken out in support of Taiwan, protesting against Chinese Ambassador to Canada Wang Di's statements calling the Taiwan issue an 'insurmountable red line' and warning Canada against sending parliamentarians to visit Taiwan or warships through the Taiwan Strait. Representative to Canada Tseng Hou-jen criticized China for weaponizing trade.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney visited China in January this year, relaunching the 'strategic partnership' that had been interrupted for 8 years and signing 6 agreements. The Globe and Mail yesterday published an interview with Wang Di, who stated that if Canada and China wish to continue advancing their relationship, the Taiwan issue is an 'insurmountable red line,' and Ottawa must clearly state its position.
Wang Di stated that Canadian warships transiting the Taiwan Strait and Canadian parliamentarians engaging with Taiwanese officials both violate the 'One China' principle.
In January this year, while Carney was visiting China, two ruling Liberal Party MPs who were visiting Taiwan cut short their trip and confirmed to the Central News Agency that it was based on 'government advice'; subsequently, Canadian political circles criticized this as 'tantamount to bowing to Beijing's authoritarianism.'
Many Canadian political and academic figures expressed protest and dissatisfaction with Wang Di's statements, urging Ottawa to uphold its own principles when dealing with Beijing.
Canadian Senate Opposition Leader Senator Leo Housakos, who led a delegation to Taiwan in early April, posted on X (formerly Twitter) today: 'I am proud to say that just a few weeks ago, I visited Taiwan and met with their legislators. This is my second visit to Taiwan in recent years, and I will go again.'
Melissa Lantsman, Deputy Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, who visited Taiwan earlier this year, directly posted a photo of herself with President Lai Ching-te on X, saying: 'Don't bargain with bullies. Send more MPs, send more warships. This is the only response to 'warnings' from a 'strategic partner.'
Erin O'Toole, former leader of the Federal Conservative Party, who visited Taiwan in March to attend the Yushan Forum, posted: 'I hope Canadians — including elected officials — never stop traveling to or engaging with Taiwan because of such intimidation.'
Vina Nadjibulla, Vice President of Research at the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, who visited Taiwan in March to attend the second Taiwan-Canada Indo-Pacific Security Forum, called on Ottawa to 'stand firm and not allow Beijing to dictate its Taiwan policy.'
iPolitics, a Canadian political e-newsletter, today published Representative Tseng Hou-jen's response, in which he refuted Beijing's claims, criticizing Wang Di's remarks as 'absurd' and counterproductive. 'This will alienate Canadian political circles, especially MPs who have visited Taiwan will have a stronger reaction.'
He emphasized that the foundation of diplomacy lies in dialogue and mutual understanding, not unilateral statements. He said: 'Just because your voice is louder doesn't mean you are the victor.'
He stressed that the Taiwan Strait is an international waterway, by no means China's internal sea, and under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, other countries enjoy freedom of navigation in the Taiwan Strait.
Tseng Hou-jen stated that Wang Di's warning once again verifies that China is a country accustomed to 'weaponizing trade.'
He gave an example to the Central News Agency: Canada's canola seed exports are highly dependent on the Chinese market and have been targeted for retaliation by China multiple times. 'In January this year, Canadian Prime Minister visited China and agreed to lower tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, only then did China promise to lower tariffs on canola seeds. But China does not abide by international rules and morality; they will use other reasons to continue pressure, and if you disobey, they will retaliate again.' (Editors: Chen Hui-ping / Tang Pei-chun) 1150502
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(Central News Agency reporter Cheng Ai-fen, Vancouver, 1st) Several Canadian senators and members of parliament have publicly spoken out in support of Taiwan, protesting against Chinese Ambassador to Canada Wang Di's statements calling the Taiwan issue an 'insurmountable red line' and warning Canada against sending parliamentarians to visit Taiwan or warships through the Taiwan Strait. Representative to Canada Tseng Hou-jen criticized China for weaponizing trade.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney visited China in January this year, relaunching the 'strategic partnership' that had been interrupted for 8 years and signing 6 agreements. The Globe and Mail yesterday published an interview with Wang Di, who stated that if Canada and China wish to continue advancing their relationship, the Taiwan issue is an 'insurmountable red line,' and Ottawa must clearly state its position.
Wang Di stated that Canadian warships transiting the Taiwan Strait and Canadian parliamentarians engaging with Taiwanese officials both violate the 'One China' principle.
In January this year, while Carney was visiting China, two ruling Liberal Party MPs who were visiting Taiwan cut short their trip and confirmed to the Central News Agency that it was based on 'government advice'; subsequently, Canadian political circles criticized this as 'tantamount to bowing to Beijing's authoritarianism.'
Many Canadian political and academic figures expressed protest and dissatisfaction with Wang Di's statements, urging Ottawa to uphold its own principles when dealing with Beijing.
Canadian Senate Opposition Leader Senator Leo Housakos, who led a delegation to Taiwan in early April, posted on X (formerly Twitter) today: 'I am proud to say that just a few weeks ago, I visited Taiwan and met with their legislators. This is my second visit to Taiwan in recent years, and I will go again.'
Melissa Lantsman, Deputy Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, who visited Taiwan earlier this year, directly posted a photo of herself with President Lai Ching-te on X, saying: 'Don't bargain with bullies. Send more MPs, send more warships. This is the only response to 'warnings' from a 'strategic partner.'
Erin O'Toole, former leader of the Federal Conservative Party, who visited Taiwan in March to attend the Yushan Forum, posted: 'I hope Canadians — including elected officials — never stop traveling to or engaging with Taiwan because of such intimidation.'
Vina Nadjibulla, Vice President of Research at the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, who visited Taiwan in March to attend the second Taiwan-Canada Indo-Pacific Security Forum, called on Ottawa to 'stand firm and not allow Beijing to dictate its Taiwan policy.'
iPolitics, a Canadian political e-newsletter, today published Representative Tseng Hou-jen's response, in which he refuted Beijing's claims, criticizing Wang Di's remarks as 'absurd' and counterproductive. 'This will alienate Canadian political circles, especially MPs who have visited Taiwan will have a stronger reaction.'
He emphasized that the foundation of diplomacy lies in dialogue and mutual understanding, not unilateral statements. He said: 'Just because your voice is louder doesn't mean you are the victor.'
He stressed that the Taiwan Strait is an international waterway, by no means China's internal sea, and under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, other countries enjoy freedom of navigation in the Taiwan Strait.
Tseng Hou-jen stated that Wang Di's warning once again verifies that China is a country accustomed to 'weaponizing trade.'
He gave an example to the Central News Agency: Canada's canola seed exports are highly dependent on the Chinese market and have been targeted for retaliation by China multiple times. 'In January this year, Canadian Prime Minister visited China and agreed to lower tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, only then did China promise to lower tariffs on canola seeds. But China does not abide by international rules and morality; they will use other reasons to continue pressure, and if you disobey, they will retaliate again.' (Editors: Chen Hui-ping / Tang Pei-chun) 1150502
Choose to stand with facts, every sponsorship is a force to protect press freedom.
Download the Central News Agency "First-hand News" APP to stay updated with the latest news.
The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, transmitted, or used without authorization.