Thank you, Mr. Chair, for the opportunity to address this committee on Canada's engagement with and concerning Taiwan.
Let me first offer my sincere regret for the unintended inconvenience to committee members last week due to the technical difficulties both GAC officials experienced. After repeated unsuccessful attempts to connect, House of Commons IT advised us that the appearance by officials via video conference could not proceed—although both officials remained on standby pending instructions or options at that time.
I am here with the same officials this evening to answer your questions. Should the committee be interested, I would welcome an opportunity to also update you on my recent engagement at the 18th Annual Canada-Taiwan Economic Consultation in Taipei, where I was last week at the time of the committee hearing and where I met with various Taiwanese cabinet ministers.
Since 1970, Canada has built significant cultural and economic ties with Taiwan, as well as people-to-people ties. Taiwan is an innovative, democratic and globally-connected society.
Canada's engagement with Taiwan is anchored in its one China policy, under which the Government of Canada recognized the People's Republic of China as the sole legitimate Government of China, taking note—neither challenging nor endorsing—the Chinese government's position on Taiwan.
This framework has allowed Canada to deepen co‑operation with Taiwan in areas such as renewable offshore wind energy and indigenous trade.
Whether it is maintaining semiconductor supply chains to support critical global industries or providing medical assistance and expertise toward fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, Taiwan has become an important stakeholder across a range of pressing issues of global concern. It is for this reason that Canada continues to support Taiwan's meaningful participation in international organizations where there is a practical imperative and where Taiwan's absence would be detrimental to global interests.
As you may know, Canada has a complementary and growing trade and economic relationship with Taiwan based on robust business-to-business ties, shared values and significant science, technology and innovation collaboration. Canada's ongoing economic consultations with Taiwan continue to be very productive, covering a broad range of topics, such as agricultural market access, co-operation on indigenous affairs, green economy, supply chain security, intellectual property policy dialogue, export controls and education.
Although Canada regained partial access to the Taiwanese beef market in July 2016, we continue to advocate for greater Canadian market access for beef over 30 months of age.
Canada remains gravely concerned about the events in August that led to a rapid escalation of tensions across the Taiwan Strait. In response to the PRC's live-fire exercises and economic coercion following a visit by U.S. Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan on August 2 and 3, Minister Joly and her G7 counterparts urged the PRC not to unilaterally change the status quo by force in the region and to resolve cross-strait differences by peaceful means.
Canadian officials have also communicated directly to the Chinese embassy on Canada's concerns in the region.
As a Chinese-speaking democracy, Taiwan continues to make significant strides toward consolidating a dynamic and pluralistic society in which the rights and freedoms of women, the LGBTQ+ community and indigenous peoples are guaranteed by the rule of law.
Within the parameters of its “one China” policy, Canada engages both sides of the Taiwan Strait to advance issues of common interest, while maintaining respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. This has informed the Government of Canada's approach to advancing its interests with and concerning Taiwan for over five decades, and will serve as a basis for continued engagement into the future.
As we move forward, Canada's recently released Indo-Pacific strategy will also contribute in shaping the development of our relationship with Taiwan. The strategy presents a comprehensive framework to deepen our presence and engagement in the region by increasing our contributions to regional peace and security. Finally, it will allow Canada to strengthen its position as an active, engaged and reliable partner in the Indo-Pacific, including Taiwan.
Thank you.