OTTAWA, ON (April 29, 2025):
A new Macdonald-Laurier Institute report is calling on Canada to drop the fiction of diplomatic ambiguity and take a principled stand in support of Taiwan’s sovereignty and democratic resilience. That’s the urgent message in ‘One China’, second thoughts: Why Canada must support Taiwan’s resilience, a powerful new paper by anthropologist, East Asia expert, and MLI Senior Fellow Scott E. Simon.
For decades, Canadian policy-makers have walked a diplomatic tightrope – acknowledging China’s position on Taiwan without endorsing it. But that policy was always contingent on peace. Beijing’s escalating military threats, disinformation campaigns, and economic bullying have shattered that illusion.
This is not about endorsing Taiwanese independence. It’s about defending democracy, clarity in foreign policy, and Canada’s national interest. Simon makes the case that Taiwan already functions as a sovereign state under international law – and that Canada’s policy can evolve without violating past commitments. It’s time to say so out loud.
The report urges Canada to take specific steps: increase its naval presence in the Taiwan Strait, expand its diplomatic and economic footprint in Taipei, and deepen ties with Indo-Pacific allies who are also pushing back against Beijing’s coercion. “[…] there could come a time when any talk of ‘One China’ ceases to be a diplomatic nicety… it becomes a security risk” warns Simon.
The report also calls on Ottawa to pass legislation protecting Canadian individuals and companies that engage with Taiwan – similar to the US’s Taiwan Relations Act. Staying silent only strengthens China’s hand and weakens Canada’s credibility as a defender of democratic values.
Taiwan is not just a far-off island. It’s a partner in trade, technology, and shared values. Canada cannot afford to treat its future as a bargaining chip in someone else’s geopolitical game.
The stakes are rising. Now is the time for policy, not posturing.
To learn more, read the full paper here:
For further information, media are invited to contact:
Dagny Pawlak-Loerchner
Senior Communications Officer
613-482-8327 x113
dagny.pawlak-loerchner@macdonaldlaurier.ca
