We need new trading partners and likeminded allies such as Taiwan in our corner to counter China and advance Canada’s interests, writes Scott Simon in the Vancouver Sun. 

The Vancouver Sun
Date: December 21, 2020
By: Scott Simon

Canada benefits most from close relationships with countries that share our values. One such country that engages in fair economic practices, promotes health security, and fosters geopolitical stability is Taiwan. However, this proven, reliable, and willing partner remains unrecognized by Canada as an important ally.

Worse still, Canada’s reluctance to turn to Taiwan comes at a time when we need all the partners we can get in the Indo-Pacific region. We are facing a persistent challenge from China in the forms of hostage diplomacy, regional aggression, economic coercion, human rights abuses, and more.

With that in mind, it is time to consider Taiwan.

There is much that Taiwan has to offer. For instance, Taiwan has done an amazing job of containing COVID-19. Even as cases soar, Taiwan to date has an accumulated case count of 618 and only seven deaths. Taiwan, from government and civil society, has donated over two million masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE) to Canada and stands ready to share its public health expertise.

As we look toward a post-COVID economic reconstruction, we will need to make careful decisions about which countries to prioritize. Common sense would dictate that our needs are best met in a country with solid property rights, rule of law, and no track record of arbitrarily detaining Canadians for political purposes. Taiwan meets all those conditions.    [FULL  STORY]