Link to article: https://www.politico.com/news/2021/04/14/canadian-parliament-taiwan-president-481637
The Halifax International Security Forum recently chose to honor Tsai Ing-wen, Taiwan’s president, with an important award. Canada’s House of Commons supported this decision on Wednesday with a unanimous vote. The Conservative MP also noted that the award was decided in conjunction with all political parties.
The award is called the John McCain Prize, and it is awarded by the Halifax International Security Forum in honor of the late John McCain. The purpose is to remind people that the benefits of democracy are worth more than any other alternative. The prestigious award is given to a world leader who has shown exceptional leadership in the fight for human justice. Cindy McCain, John McCain’s wife, has approved the selection of Tsai for her late husband’s award.
Previously, Canadian officials had said that they would not support the event if the award was granted to Tsai. The passing by the House of Commons of this symbolic motion shows independent Canadian support for the honor of Tsai.
Since this motion, the Trudeau government has denied its threat to pull support from the event. In a public comment, Trudeau himself verbalized that the Canadian government will continue its support of the event, and he stressed that Canada maintains a positive trade relationship with Taiwan.
Officially, Canada maintains a One China Policy in which it does not recognize any sovereign states within the nation of China. Taiwan could be classified as a stateless nation, and China is certainly a multinational state. While Taiwan is allowed to operate its own government in some ways, it is still legally under the control of China.
China has historically suppressed any movements for Taiwan’s independence. If the Canadian government were to recognize the president of Taiwan as a world leader for social justice, it could be interpreted by China as a political betrayal.