Canadian MP Michael Chong Defends Taiwan Visit: 'China Doesn't Get to Decide Where I Can Go'

After a meeting with President Lai Ching-te in Taipei, Canadian Conservative Member of Parliament Michael Chong emphasized in an interview with Canadian media that his visit to Taiwan was to defend Canadian sovereignty. He stated that allowing China to continuously change the rules of the game and acquiescing to its unreasonable demands would only lead to greater instability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Last month, China's Ambassador to Canada, Wang Yi, warned Canadian parliamentarians against visiting Taiwan in an interview with The Globe and Mail, stating that any official contact could cause a setback in the progress made in Canada-China relations. Upon learning of Chong's visit and meeting with President Lai Ching-te, Beijing criticized Chong for a "serious violation of Canada's one-China commitment" and for sending the wrong signal of supporting "Taiwan independence."

In an interview today with CTV News host Vassy Kapelos, Chong pointed out that his trip was not only to express support for Taiwan but also to defend Canada's sovereignty. He asserted that no foreign government, including China, has the right to decide where Canadian MPs can travel.

He said that Canadian parliamentarians from all parties have visited Taiwan before, and this is part of the gradual deepening of Canada-Taiwan relations. "Beijing is now trying to change the rules, and my visit this time is to make it clear that this type of exchange should continue. We cannot let an authoritarian regime like Beijing decide how democratic nations engage with the international community."

When asked if he had hesitated to visit Taiwan given Ottawa's efforts to secure business opportunities with China and the benefits some Canadian agricultural products have gained from the Chinese market, Chong replied, "Not at all."

He believes that at this moment, it is even more necessary for Canada to reaffirm its own positions and existing policies. "If we let Beijing keep changing the rules, it's tantamount to acquiescing to its demands, which will only make the Indo-Pacific region more unstable, and instability is not good for trade or investment."

He also stated that if the international community backs down from China's pressure, it would lower the political cost for Beijing to take unilateral action in the Taiwan Strait.

Chong, who has never shied away from criticizing China's human rights record, was already on China's sanctions list, and his relatives in Hong Kong have also been targeted by Beijing. While he is likely to be further targeted by China this time, Chong said he is fearless. "I have the privilege of being an elected Member of Parliament in Canada, holding an important position, which allows me to speak up for those who cannot. Many people in democratic countries around the world face transnational repression and coercion from authoritarian regimes but can only endure it in silence."

Currently on a visit to Estonia, Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand told the media via video conference that Canada and Taiwan have long maintained civil and commercial exchanges, and there have always been mutual visits by official and parliamentary delegations.

Regarding China's criticism of Chong's visit, Anand said, "The independence of Canada's Parliament is a fundamental pillar of Canadian democracy." She stated that while Canada's foreign policy adheres to the "one-China policy," foreign governments should not interfere with the freedom of movement of Canadian MPs.

Canadian Conservative MPs Andrew Scheer, Tako van Popta, and Chak Au all expressed their strong support for Chong's decision to visit Taiwan to the Central News Agency.

Scheer, who visited Taiwan 20 years ago, criticized China for once again using intimidation tactics against Canada, stating it is absolutely intolerable. He said Taiwan's multifaceted progress and achievements are known worldwide, and Canada has much to learn from it, so there should be more exchanges between the two sides.

Van Popta, who has not yet been to Taiwan, said, "I really want to go to Taiwan and will definitely visit if I have the chance. Canada is expanding its trade diversification, and Taiwan is a very important piece of that puzzle."

Chak Au, who was recently appointed chair of the Conservative Party's "Asia-Pacific Gateway Economic Cooperation Group," visited Taiwan in March this year to participate in the "Smart City Summit & Expo" and was amazed by Taiwan's high-tech capabilities. "This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Canadian Trade Office in Taipei, and Taiwan-Canada relations must continue to develop."

The Winnipeg Sun published an editorial today praising Chong's steadfast courage and calling on Ottawa to take concrete actions to support Taiwan.

The editorial reminded Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney that while trade is important and Canada needs markets, "strengthening trade ties cannot come at the expense of national independence," a line that needs to be drawn very clearly.

The editorial emphasized that Taiwan is a global leader in advanced chip manufacturing, which is crucial for national security and economic growth. It urged Canada to strengthen cooperation with its democratic allies in the Indo-Pacific and to continue resisting foreign interference on Canadian soil.