Canada MPs End Taiwan Trip Ahead of Carney China Visit

Two Canadian Liberal Party Members of Parliament have ended their visit to Taiwan early to avoid diplomatic complications ahead of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s China visit.

Helena Jaczek and Marie-France Lalonde said in a statement that they were advised to return to Canada to ensure their travel did not distract from the government’s broader Canadian foreign policy priorities.

The two MPs said they had already met Taiwanese lawmakers from across the political spectrum before shortening their stay. They stressed that their early departure does not signal a shift in Canada’s long-standing Canada Taiwan policy.

• Canadian Liberal MPs cut Taiwan trip short ahead of Mark Carney’s China visit
• Move aims to avoid diplomatic friction as Ottawa seeks to stabilise China ties
• Carney’s Beijing trip signals cautious reset in Canada-China relations

Canada, like most Western countries, does not maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan but supports its participation in international forums and maintains unofficial ties.

Carney is scheduled to visit China this week, marking a significant step in Ottawa’s efforts to stabilise and recalibrate Canada China relations. His meetings are expected to focus on trade talks, agriculture, energy cooperation and global security issues. China remains Canada’s second-largest trading partner, and the visit comes as Ottawa looks to reduce economic dependence on the United States while managing political and strategic risks.

The timing of the Taiwan trip was seen as sensitive, given Beijing’s opposition to Taiwan and its firm stance against official contacts between foreign governments and the island. Chinese officials regard the self-governed territory as part of China and regularly criticise visits by foreign politicians.

According to Canadian media reports, three Conservative MPs are continuing a separate visit to Taiwan that is supported by the Taiwanese government. Carney’s office said the prime minister’s focus this week is on discussions in Beijing and declined to comment on the Conservative delegation. The Conservative Party did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Canada’s relationship with China has been strained in recent years by trade disputes, political disagreements and broader geopolitical tensions. Carney’s visit signals an attempt to keep channels open while managing differences.

Also Read: Australia's US Ambassador Kevin Rudd to Step Down Early in 2026

The decision by the two Liberal MPs to leave Taiwan early underscores the cautious approach Ottawa is taking as it seeks to balance economic interests, diplomatic signalling and regional sensitivities in a complex international environment.