Former Taiwanese leader’s trip to security summit in Canada raises ire in Beijing

Tsai Ing-wen has been invited to deliver a keynote address at the annual Halifax International Security Forum in Nova Scotia

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Former Taiwanese leader Tsai Ing-wen speaks during the annual Forum 2000 conference in Prague last month. She will travel to Canada this month for a security forum. Photo: Reuters

Published: 8:55pm, 19 Nov 2024

Former Taiwanese leader Tsai Ing-wen is set to visit Canada on Wednesday in yet another overseas trip expected to provoke a strong reaction from Beijing.

Tsai has been invited to deliver a keynote address at the Halifax International Security Forum (HISF), an annual gathering in Nova Scotia scheduled from Friday to Sunday.

“[Tsai] will highlight the unwavering commitment of the Taiwanese people to safeguarding democracy and freedom and reaffirm Taiwan’s determination to collaborate with the international community in contributing to global stability and prosperity,” her office said on Tuesday.

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It will mark Tsai’s second overseas trip since stepping down from office in May. Last month, her visit to the Czech Republic, France and Belgium provoked condemnation from Beijing. Mainland authorities accused her of promoting separatist activities and trying to mislead the international community.

Beijing considers Taiwan an inalienable part of China to be reunited by force if necessary.

While most countries, including Canada and the United States, do not officially recognise Taiwan as an independent nation, they oppose any unilateral attempts to alter the cross-strait status quo by force. The US, in particular, has committed to providing Taiwan with defensive weapons under the Taiwan Relations Act.

Ahead of Tsai’s planned visit to Canada, mainland foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian repeated Beijing’s opposition.

“We firmly oppose any ‘Taiwan independence’ separatists visiting countries with diplomatic ties to China under any pretext,” Lin said on Thursday. “We urge [Canada] to adhere to the one-China principle and safeguard the political foundation of bilateral relations through concrete actions.”