Canadian MP Michael Chong visits Taiwan amid China warning

A Canadian opposition parliamentarian is visiting Taiwan this week, asserting that his trip demonstrates Canada's sovereignty following a warning from China's ambassador against such visits. Conservative Member of Parliament Michael Chong, the party's foreign affairs critic, arrived in Taipei on Sunday and is scheduled to meet with Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te on Wednesday.

Chong stated that his visit aims to show solidarity with Taiwan and to assert that Canadian officials do not take direction from foreign governments on their travel. He referenced comments made last month by China's Ambassador to Canada, Wang Di, who warned that further visits by Canadian parliamentarians or naval transits through the Taiwan Strait could damage the bilateral relationship. Chong described the ambassador's warning as an attempt to dictate Canadian actions and said his trip is a direct response.

The Chinese embassy in Ottawa issued a statement condemning Chong's visit, stating it gravely contravenes Canada's commitment to the One China policy and sends a wrong message of support for Taiwan independence. China claims sovereignty over Taiwan and considers the island part of