On February 20th, 2025, Taiwan’s Vice President, Lai Ching-te, met with Canadian senators and a group of American scholars attending the “Halifax Taipei Forum.” She expressed her hope to deepen partnerships and enhance cooperation in order to uphold democratic values, freedom, and contribute to maintaining world peace and stability.
The Presidential Office of the Republic of China stated that the visitors included Michael L. MacDonald, Co-Chair of the Canada-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Association, Donald Neil Plett, leader of the Conservative Party, Senator John M. McNair from Canada, and former Under Secretary of State for Global Affairs Paula Dobriansky from the United States.
Also present were Jane Harman, honorary president of the Wilson Center and former US Federal Congresswoman, Kelley Currie, former US Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues at the State Department, and Evelyn Farkas, Executive Director of the McCain Institute, accompanied by Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Chen Ming-chi, who visited Vice President Lai Ching-te at the Presidential Office.
The 2025 “Halifax (HFX) Taipei Forum” took place on the 20th, making it the first time held in Taiwan. In her speech, Lai Ching-te welcomed friends from Canada and the United States, who traveled across the Pacific to attend the forum.
Lai Ching-te stated, “We are facing a critical moment of rapid and unstable geopolitical changes. Partnerships are crucial at this time, especially in cooperating with countries that uphold the values of freedom, democracy, and maintain world peace and stability. Only through such cooperation can we safeguard the rights, freedoms, and interests we cherish.”
She mentioned the significant progress in Taiwan-Canada relations in recent years and thanked the visitors for their various initiatives supporting Taiwan in the Canadian parliament, which has deepened the partnership between the two countries. She also highlighted Canada’s emphasis on the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait during the G7 summit, emphasizing its indispensability for global prosperity.
She welcomed Canada’s joining of the Global Cooperation and Training Framework (GCTF), which serves as an essential platform for Taiwan. It not only allows for professional contributions but also facilitates learning exchanges with people from around the world, creating collaboration opportunities.
Lai Ching-te expressed her delight at meeting friends from the United States once again, noting the rapid developments taking place. She hoped that both countries, based on shared values and interests, would continue to enhance opportunities for cooperation and exchanges.