Foreign Minister Joly Warns of Implications for Taiwan in Ukraine Conflict

Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly has expressed concern that a bad peace deal for Ukraine could have negative consequences for Taiwan, the self-governing island facing the threat of annexation from China.

Speaking to a Vancouver business audience and later to reporters, Joly highlighted China's close observation of the Ukraine conflict, drawing lessons for its own goal of seizing Taiwan. She emphasized the importance of the U.S. sending a clear message to China, particularly regarding a potential invasion of Taiwan.

Joly's concerns stem from China's long-standing claim over Taiwan, despite never having ruled the island. Beijing seeks to annex Taiwan and has not ruled out using force, conducting military exercises near the island since 2018. The U.S. military has assessed that China aims to be ready to invade Taiwan by 2027.

While the U.S. has historically protected Taiwan against Chinese aggression through a security partnership, the return of Donald Trump to the White House has raised doubts. During his 2024 presidential campaign, Trump expressed uncertainty about Taiwan's security and suggested the island should pay for its own defense.

Meanwhile, China's defense ministry has issued strong warnings to Taiwan, comparing its resistance to a "mantis trying to stop a chariot." Taiwan's defense ministry responded by accusing China of escalating military threats and destabilizing the region, labeling them the "biggest troublemaker" in the international community.

Taiwan's government firmly rejects China's sovereignty claims, asserting that only the Taiwanese people can decide their future. President Lai Ching-te, speaking at an event commemorating the "228 Incident," emphasized the ongoing threat posed by China's attempts to take Taiwan by force. He declared China as the greatest threat to Taiwan's sovereignty, democracy, and self-determination.