Harper's Reckless Comments Hurt Taiwan Relations

By trying to make up for his government's rapidly deteriorating relationship with China, Prime Stephen Harper has again walked away from Canada's longstanding foreign policy positions and placed our country in sticky diplomatic circumstances.

In a recent interview to Sing Tao, the Prime Minister stated that Canada does not want to extend de facto recognition to the Taiwanese government, calling Taiwan "an integral part of China."

The Prime Minister's comments reflect a lack of nuance in dealing with a complicated and evolving diplomatic issue. Although Canada has had a one-China policy since the recognition of the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) in 1970, it has nevertheless had the flexibility to develop and maintain strong cultural, economic, and people to people contacts with Taiwan. These unofficial ties, which continue to grow, are well demonstrated by the activities of the Canadian business and cultural communities.

It is not surprising then, that so many Canadians and Taiwanese have been taken aback by the Prime Minister's lack of support for any informal relationship with Taiwan.

Canada formally recognizes PRC as the legitimate, representative government of China. But although our government "took note" of the PRC's position that "Taiwan is an inalienable part of the territory of the People's Republic of China" at the time of is recognition, Canada has never formally recognized this claim. Until now.

Major geopolitical issues are rarely black and white, and the Liberal Party of Canada considers the question of Taiwan as one to be resolved by the Chinese people themselves in a peaceful manner.

While Canada must continue to urge both Beijing and Taipei to reduce tensions and engage in constructive dialogue, it is vital that Prime Minister Harper take greater care about the implications of his statements instead making rash comments which can dramatically alter the course of Canadian foreign policy.

Liberals have been urging the Conservative government to improve diplomatic relations with Beijing for some time. Prime Minister Harper and his Foreign Affairs Minister Peter MacKay have repeatedly snubbed this vital trading partner and China has taken notice. Because of the Conservative government's lack of respect for China, negotiations to grant Canada Approved Destination Status (ADS) have broken down, resulting in millions of dollars lost in the tourism industry.

China is an economic powerhouse, a market of immense proportions which brings Canada billions of dollars in trade and investments each year. It is essential that we maintain a positive relationship with Beijing, but we should not have to sacrifice our strong associations with Taiwan in the process.

For decades, Canada has an enviable reputation as an honest broker on the global stage. Prime Minister Harper must not walk away from this important role for the sake of political pandering.