TAIPEI – Former Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen is set to visit Canada next week, according to diplomatic sources, marking a significant trip as tensions between Taiwan and China continue to escalate. Tsai, who has become a symbol of Taiwan’s resistance against Chinese military pressures, plans to deliver a keynote speech at the Halifax International Security Forum in Nova Scotia, scheduled to begin on November 22.
Canada, which does not officially recognize Taiwan due to China’s claims over the island, has nonetheless strengthened economic and political ties with Taiwan amid growing international concerns over Beijing’s assertiveness in the region. Tsai’s anticipated appearance at the Halifax Forum, a prominent annual conference on security, underscores Taiwan’s ongoing efforts to solidify international support.
Representatives for Tsai have not yet confirmed the travel details but promised an announcement in due course. Neither Canada’s Global Affairs department nor the Halifax Forum have commented on the visit, while Beijing has yet to issue a formal response.
Tsai’s visit to Canada follows her October trip to Europe, which included stops in the Czech Republic, France, and Belgium, reflecting her ongoing diplomatic engagement in the face of Chinese opposition. Taiwan’s current president, Lai Ching-te, praised Tsai’s European visit, calling her Taiwan’s “best spokesperson” in representing its democratic ideals on the global stage.
During Tsai’s presidency, Taiwan significantly increased its defense budget and strengthened ties with key allies such as the United States and Japan, drawing Beijing’s ire. Her visit to Canada is expected to draw close scrutiny, as Chinese military exercises have often coincided with Tsai’s previous international visits, demonstrating Beijing’s disapproval of Taiwan’s diplomatic outreach.