The Commons International Trade Commission has not yet approved a travel budget, but is already planning to visit Taiwan and Singapore
Article Author:
The Canadian Press
Marie Woolf
OTTAWA — Despite fears, a panel of Canadian parliamentarians has decided to make a trade trip to Taiwan this fall. is seeking budget approval. The plan risks escalating tensions with China, he said.
The House International Trade Committee is scheduled to visit Taiwan and Singapore, but the House has not yet approved the Committee's budget for that trip.
New Democrat Congressman and Commission member Brian Masse says Canadians "must stand by other democracies who have fought for their rights and freedoms."
}"Autumn Asia trip to improve trade ties will include a visit to Taiwan, which is being discussed at the Standing Committee on International Trade," Masse said.
"Although the trip is still in the planning stages, the NDP is very supportive of strengthening Canada-Taiwan ties and using this opportunity to improve trade relations with Taiwan."
Randy Horbach, a Conservative MP and committee vice-chairman, said members of the Canadian-Taiwan parliamentary "friendship group" said they would travel about twice a year before COVID-19 restricted travel. He said he was visiting Taiwan.
Hoback had previously visited an island about 100 miles off the coast of southeastern China with a group.
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However, the Tory MP said he wanted to consult Global Affairs Canada before going on the trip right now. He "has no intention of antagonizing China," he said.
Earlier this month, China condemned House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan.
China considers the island of Taiwan to be its own territory, and Beijing has imposed sanctions on Pelosi in retaliation for her visit and conducted military exercises around Taiwan.
During Pelosi's visit, Foreign Secretary Melanie Jolly urged China to de-escalate tensions, and lawmakers often make international visits to justify China's decision to hold military exercises. said lawmakers should not be used.
Jolie spokesperson Emily Williams said Wednesday, "The House of Representatives and Friends of the House travel regularly and we respect their independence." I have,” he said.
"Canada continues to strengthen and expand trade and people-to-people ties with Taiwan," she said. "As stated in the G7 Foreign Ministers' Statement on the Taiwan Strait, Canada is committed to upholding the rules that have ensured peace and stability for decades, including across the Indo-Pacific region.
Canada's Taipei Economic and Cultural Affairs Bureau said it would "fully support" the parliamentary committee's visit to "promote further dialogue" on issues such as trade and investment, education and technology.
"By visiting Taiwan and connecting with Taiwanese parliamentarians, Canadian senators and parliamentarians will learn about Taiwan's development, its role in the region, cross-strait relations, and other up-to-date political views. and economic development," said the spokesperson. she said.
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