New Southbound Policy Portal

MOFA welcomes statement by Global Affairs Canada expressing concern over China’s large-scale military exercises around Taiwan

From Department of North American Affairs, MOFA 2026-01-02

In a statement posted on its official X account—Foreign Policy CAN—on January 2, Global Affairs Canada expressed the country’s concern over China’s recent large-scale military exercises around Taiwan. Adding to the concerns expressed in recent days by the United States, Japan, the European Union, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, and other countries, the statement by Canada once again demonstrates the democratic community’s clear position in support of maintaining the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung expresses sincere appreciation for Canada’s statement.

Entitled “Statement on China’s decision to undertake large-scale military drills around Taiwan,” Global Affairs Canada’s statement said that Canada opposed any unilateral attempts to change the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. It added that the Taiwan Strait was indispensable to the security and prosperity of the international community and that it was in the interest of all parties to maintain the peaceful and accessible nature of this waterway.

Minister Lin appreciates and thanks the Canadian government for conveying concern over China’s military actions, which have heightened cross-strait tensions. The expression of concern showcases Canada’s firm stance on maintaining the cross-strait status quo and demonstrates that upholding peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is the international consensus and a key interest for all concerned. The United Nations Charter clearly prohibits the threat or use of force in the settlement of disputes. This principle applies equally to the waters of the Taiwan Strait and those along the first island chain.

Taiwan will continue to work with Canada and other like-minded countries to safeguard the rules-based international order and jointly advance global and regional peace, stability, and prosperity. (E)