Taiwan's envoy to Canada says fear of China may be delaying trade deal

Taiwan's envoy Harry Tseng says a Canada–Taiwan trade co-operation framework was initialed and ready for final signatures since April and that concerns about China may be slowing the signing; Global Affairs Canada confirmed the agreement was concluded in March 2025 and said a review is underway.

Taiwan's representative in Canada raised concerns that Ottawa may be delaying the signing of a trade co-operation framework because of worries about how China might react. Harry Tseng said negotiating teams had initialed every page and that the text has been ready for final signatures since April. The framework, as described in reports, touches on online commerce, energy, net-zero transition and supply chain resilience, including semiconductors. Global Affairs Canada confirmed the agreement was concluded in March 2025 and said a review is underway. Key facts: - Harry Tseng, head of Taipei's Economic and Cultural Office in Canada, said the agreement pages were initialed and ready for final signatures since April. - Tseng said he believes the timing reflects concerns about China and noted recent diplomatic actions such as the recall of two Liberal MPs from a Taiwan visit. - Prime Minister Mark Carney dismissed those concerns and said Canada can pursue trade with both Taiwan and China. - Global Affairs Canada confirmed the framework was concluded in March 2025 and that officials are conducting a review. Summary: The reports highlight a difference in public statements between Taiwan's envoy and Canadian officials about whether the trade framework is being held up for political reasons. Officials say the text is complete and under review, and timing for any final signing is undetermined at this time.