Two Liberal members of Parliament have ended a sponsored delegation trip to Taiwan early, citing a desire to “avoid confusion” about Canada’s China policy as Prime Minister Mark Carney prepares for an official visit to Beijing.
Ontario MPs Helena Jaczek and Marie-France Lalonde said in a joint statement that they decided to return to Canada based on “advice from the government.” They stressed that their departure does not signal any change in Canada’s position on Taiwan.
Conservative MPs participating in the delegation remain in Taiwan and intend to complete the planned itinerary, according to a party spokesperson.
Carney is scheduled to travel to China on Tuesday for talks focused on trade and security.
China considers self-governed Taiwan to be part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to assert control. On Jan. 1, Canada condemned China’s military exercises around the Taiwan Strait, stating it is “in the interest of all parties to maintain the peaceful and accessible nature of this waterway.”