Member of Parliament stresses importance of maintaining freedom of the Taiwan Strait for Canada’s economic prosperity

August 4, 2024 TruthUSA

Ten percent of global GDP—that’s the estimated cost of a war over Taiwan, as stated by Independent MP Kevin Vuong, who recently visited the island. He joined international lawmakers there to denounce China’s increasing military threat to the democratic island.

To provide context, this expense is five times the projected $2 trillion cost of the COVID-19 pandemic and more than six times the $1.5 trillion cost of Russia’s conflict with Ukraine, according to forecasts from Bloomberg Economics, as cited by the Independent MP representing Toronto’s Spadina—Fort York riding.

“With the expected $10 trillion price tag of a war over Taiwan to the global economy, it is imperative to prevent conflict,” stated Vuong on the X platform on July 30. He also emphasized in a separate post that Canada, being a maritime trading nation, relies on a free and internationally governed Taiwan Strait for its prosperity.

The Taiwan Strait separates Taiwan, a democratic island, from mainland China, which is led by a communist regime. At its narrowest point, the strait measures around 130 kilometers. Taiwan, Canada’s 12th largest trading partner, faces continuous military threats and diplomatic and economic suppression from Beijing.

Vuong made these remarks during his visit to Taiwan for the 2024 summit with the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC) held from July 30 to 31. Lawmakers from various political backgrounds came together to address China’s increasing authoritarianism domestically and internationally.

The fourth annual IPAC summit brought together 48 lawmakers from 24 countries. Along with Vuong, MP Yves Perron from the Bloc Québécois also participated in the event.

“I participated in the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China summit in Taiwan recently. International presence and support are vital for safeguarding democracy. Taiwan can rely on the Bloc Québécois going forward,” Perron expressed in French on the X platform.

Beijing’s Interference

Beijing has faced criticism for pressuring multiple lawmakers to deter their attendance at the IPAC summit in Taiwan.

In a press release dated July 28 here, the organization disclosed that at least eight lawmakers from five nations reported receiving emails or calls from Chinese diplomatic officials before their departure for the IPAC Summit in Taipei.
“Some discovered that their party leaders were contacted to apply additional pressure. One lawmaker was specifically urged to visit the PRC [People’s Republic of China] instead of traveling to Taipei,” as stated by IPAC, which strongly criticized China’s interference attempt.

In addition to political pressure, Vuong highlighted a Chinese military operation that coincided with the IPAC summit. On July 31, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense reported detecting 29 aircraft and 10 vessels from the Chinese military operating around Taiwan.

Addressing attendees at the IPAC summit on July 30, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te promised full support for the “democratic umbrella” to combat the threats posed by China’s growing authoritarianism.

“China’s outward expansion of authoritarianism is evident through its military intimidation of neighboring countries and through tactics including diplomatic suppression, economic coercion, cyberattacks, and the spreading of disinformation,” stated Lai. “Their continuously escalating gray-zone aggression undermines regional peace and stability.”

Frank Fang contributed to this report.

Source link