Canada Urged to Unambiguously Support Taiwan: A Call for Clarity and Action

Canadian Think Tank Lays Out Roadmap for Stronger Ties and Stands Against China's Claims

Taipei, Taiwan – A Canadian public policy institute has issued a strong recommendation, urging the Canadian government to abandon its long-held ambiguity regarding Taiwan's status. The call emphasizes the need for a clear and unwavering stance in support of Taiwan's sovereignty and its democratic values.

The Macdonald-Laurier Institute (MLI), a prominent Ottawa-based think tank specializing in domestic and foreign policy, put forward this recommendation in a report authored by Scott E. Simon. The report was released shortly after the federal election, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

The report's executive summary stresses that Canada requires clarity about Taiwan's international status to adapt its policies in light of changing circumstances. The MLI highlights the "substantial risk" posed by the PRC's intention to "annex Taiwan, which it has never controlled."

The MLI notes that Canada's approach has been rooted in "diplomatic expediency," having only agreed to "take note" of Beijing's position on Taiwan since establishing ties with the People's Republic of China (PRC) in 1970. This policy has neither endorsed nor challenged China's claims.

The report points out that despite the lack of formal diplomatic recognition, Canadian courts have treated Taiwan as a de facto state in legal rulings, acknowledging Taiwan's complete autonomy from PRC rule. It emphasizes that Taiwan meets all the criteria for statehood under the Montevideo Convention, a critical international treaty.

The MLI warns against the PRC's efforts to mislead the world into believing that Taiwan has always been an integral part of China. The report specifically refutes the assertion that United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 granted China sovereignty over Taiwan, calling it "blatant misinformation."

According to the MLI, China's legal strategy – described as "international lawfare" – aims to prevent the UN from supporting Taiwan in the event of conflict. This strategy is reminiscent of the situation in Ukraine following the 2022 Russian invasion.

The report urges Ottawa to differentiate between Canada's "One-China Policy" and the "One-China Principle" that the PRC seeks to impose globally. "Canada has the right to define that policy and determine our own relationship with Taiwan without external interference," the report emphasizes.

The MLI advocates for regular naval transits of the Taiwan Strait, recognizing them as international waters under international law. It stresses the importance of peace and freedom of navigation in the region as a global public good.

Additionally, the report recommends enhanced cooperation with Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines in defense, law enforcement, and intelligence sharing to deter Chinese aggression.

To fortify Taiwan's economic resilience, the MLI suggests expanding bilateral trade and investment in crucial sectors such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and strategic mineral and energy supply chains.

The report concludes that these efforts will "lay the groundwork for the people of Taiwan to eventually fully exercise their right to self-determination as promised in international law."