Canada expressed deep concern over China’s recent military drills around Taiwan on Thursday, stating that these threatening activities escalate tensions, undermine regional stability, and impact global security and prosperity.
The Global Affairs Canada department shared its concerns about the situation in the Taiwan Strait on social media, urging Beijing to resolve cross-strait differences peacefully.
In response, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office thanked Canada for its support, warning that if not controlled, China's blatant military threats against Taiwan and aggressive actions through infiltration and coercion will only escalate. Representative Harry Tseng Ho-jen (曾厚仁) told CNA that Canada's statement reflects leadership among allies, holding significant importance as Canada currently chairs the G7.
Tseng noted that since Canada published its "Indo-Pacific Strategy" in November 2022, Canadian forces have conducted six patrols in the Taiwan Strait, most recently in February this year. Each patrol illustrates Canada's firm commitment to defending freedom, peace, and openness in the Taiwan Strait, affirming its position that the strait constitutes international waters.
Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy document clearly identifies China as an increasingly disruptive global power and emphasizes that Canada will balance its relationship with China while deepening diverse relationships in the Indo-Pacific region, including collaborating with partners to oppose any unilateral actions that threaten the status quo in the Taiwan Strait, East China Sea, and South China Sea.