Taiwan's former president, Tsai Ing-wen, plans to visit Canada next week, diplomatic sources told Reuters. Tsai, who has established herself as a symbol of Taiwan's resistance to China's military threat, will participate in the International Security Forum in Halifax, Nova Scotia, which begins on November 22, as quoted by News.bg.
Although Canada does not have formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, economic and political exchanges between the two countries are on the rise, and China is increasing its military threats against the democratically-ruled island.
Tsai, who stepped down in May, plans to address the forum, but her visit has been viewed negatively by China. Chinese spokesman Lin Jian stressed that Canada must uphold the principle of "one China" and take measures to protect bilateral relations. However, bilateral relations between Canada and China have been strained, with major issues including allegations of hacking attacks that Beijing denies, as well as disputes over human rights and trade.
Tsai, who remains an influential member of Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party, has had a significant role in increasing the island's military investment and deepening informal ties with key countries such as the US and Japan, angering China.
Tsai has already visited the Czech Republic, France and Belgium in the past month, with the visit planned discreetly because of concerns about Chinese espionage and possible harassment. Taiwan's current president, Lai Ching-te, fully supported Tsai's visits and called her "the best speaker" for the island on the international stage.
During Tsai's second term as Taiwan's president, China held two rounds of war games around the island in 2022 and 2023, following visits by US politicians including Nancy Pelosi and Kevin McCarthy.