by Martin Haffner, Associate Editor
Former President Tsai Ing-wen is set to visit Canada next week, according to two diplomatic sources. Tsai, who completed her second term in May, will be in Nova Scotia to speak at the Halifax International Security Forum starting Friday. Her office indicated that details of her travel will be announced when confirmed, but provided no further information.
The Halifax Forum and Canada’s Global Affairs Department have not yet responded to inquiries. Similarly, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not commented on the matter.
Canada’s relationship with China is complex, involving accusations of hacking from Ottawa, which Beijing denies, along with issues related to human rights and trade.
Tsai’s upcoming trip follows her recent visit to the Czech Republic, France, and Belgium, which raised concerns about potential Chinese espionage and harassment. President William Lai expressed full support for her European engagements, describing her as the country’s “best spokesperson” internationally.
During Tsai’s presidency, Taiwan significantly increased military spending and strengthened informal ties with key nations, including the US and Japan.
In related news, a national security official did not confirm media reports regarding Lai’s potential trip to Taiwan’s South Pacific allies, which may include a stop in Hawaii later this month. The official stated that planning for such visits is proceeding as expected, with announcements made at the appropriate time.
Lai’s potential visit, speculated for the end of this month or early next month, would include stops in Taiwan’s three South Pacific allies: Palau, Tuvalu, and the Marshall Islands. The Presidential Office has indicated that any travel plans would be communicated to the public when ready.
Despite lacking formal diplomatic relations, the US has permitted Taiwanese presidents to make stopovers during visits to diplomatic allies, with the nature of these receptions often interpreted as indicators of US-Taiwan relations.
Tsai previously visited South Pacific allies in 2017 and 2019, with her 2017 trip including layovers in Honolulu and Guam.
