At a recent gathering in West Vancouver, Conservative Leadership hopeful Scott Aitchison demonstrated great empathy for the value of Taiwan democracy. Thank you, Scott, for coming to West Van and for initiating this important, timely discussion. However, I disagree with your pledge to recognize Taiwan independence, should you become Prime Minister.
Here’s Scott’s position from his June 21st tweet: “It’s time for Canada to recognize Taiwan and establish diplomatic relations. Taiwan is an independent and sovereign country, a beacon of openness, democracy, respect for human rights, and a case study in the benefits of a market-based economy open to trading with the world.”
Scott gets full marks for profiling the value to the world of Taiwan’s democracy, rule of law, freedoms, and independent judiciary – all hallmarks in Asia for things that Canadians are willing to fight for. But promising to recognize Taiwan as an independent nation would be counterproductive.
Having lived in Taiwan between 1986 and 1997, I’ve witnessed firsthand how this island of 23 million people disproportionately influences the hearts and minds of the almost 1.5 billion Chinese Citizens, just across the Taiwan Straits.
So, if Scott’s right to profile Taiwan’s positive influence in the world, why is he wrong to call for recognition of Taiwan as an independent nation?
Because Taiwan’s becoming formally independent is one of the three conditions which Beijing has historically identified as reason for military invasion of the island. The others are if Taiwan acquires nuclear arms or is invaded by another nation.
As recently as last month, the Communist Government of China repeated its position. Al Jazeera carried a June 10, 2022 statement by China’s Defence Minister, who said that China would use military force if necessary to “smash to smithereens” any initiative by Taiwan to attain full-fledged political independence.
So, Scott, yes to acknowledging Taiwan’s respect for democracy, human rights, freedom, and the rule of law. Yes, to encouraging democracy in China by supporting democracy in Taiwan. Yes, to supporting Taiwan’s role in international organizations, such as the World Health Organization. Yes, to a Taiwan Policy Review, like President Clinton initiated for the US in 1994; the current Government has promised a new China Policy three Global Affairs Ministers ago, and we’re still waiting.
But, no, let’s not make Canada the agent provocateur that gives Beijing pretext for a military invasion. The Taiwan people have demonstrated deft self-restraint and self-censorship, knowing they enjoy a high level of independence, without formalizing it. As we’ve seen in the Ukraine, military invasion by a large, belligerent neighbour triggers horrible tragedy. Let’s not poke the eye of the tiger.
John Weston provides strategic advice on government relations and legal matters at Pan Pacific Law Corporation. During his service as Member of Parliament, he led the Canada-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Group. He was one of the first two Canadians working at the Canadian Trade Office in Taipei when it opened in 1986.
