Bloc Québécois leader backs Taiwan's global role, stronger ties

Taipei, Sept. 9 (CNA) Bloc Québécois leader Yves-François Blanchet on Tuesday voiced support for Taiwan's participation in international organizations and called for closer economic ties during a meeting with President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) in Taipei.

The Bloc Québécois is a federal political party in Canada that advocates Quebec sovereignty.

In remarks delivered in French at the Presidential Office, Blanchet said it is "entirely necessary and legitimate" for Taiwan to participate in international organizations as a full member or under a status determined by Taiwan itself.

He cited the World Health Organization and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, saying the latter would remain "incomplete" as long as Taiwan was not a member.

Regarding the Montreal-based International Civil Aviation Organization, Blanchet said China's "provocative activities" in military and civilian airspace around Taiwan further underscored the importance of Taiwan's participation in the organization.

He said the Bloc Québécois would continue speaking up for Taiwan and urging governments in the democratic world to resist pressure from China and support Taiwan's participation in multilateral mechanisms.

Turning to broader ties, Blanchet said economic cooperation should be at the "core" of relations between Taiwan, Quebec and Canada.

He referred to a Trade Cooperation Framework Arrangement finalized by Taiwan and Canada in 2025 but not yet formally signed, saying his party would press Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to complete the signing.

Blanchet also said his party would strongly support the re-establishment of a Quebec government office in Taipei if a future Quebec government considered reopening it, noting the office had previously promoted economic and cultural exchanges.

Addressing identity and self-determination, Blanchet said Quebec's relationship with Canada should not be directly equated with Taiwan's relationship with China.

He said Quebec and Canada "have been and will always be partners, allies and friends," but added that Quebecers have faced pressure over their national identity, language, culture and values.

Recalling former Quebec Premier Jacques Parizeau's views on sovereignty, Blanchet said his party's responsibility was to support Taiwan in exercising its right to self-determination according to its own vision and choices, whatever those choices may be.

During the meeting, Lai said the visit marked the first delegation organized by the Bloc Québécois to Taiwan since the party was founded in 1991, as well as Blanchet's first visit to the country.

Lai said Taiwan and Quebec, despite being geographically distant, shared a commitment to their land, culture, language and way of life, and both believed that "people have the right to decide their own future."

He thanked the party for its support for Taiwan in Canada's Parliament, including a 2024 motion stating that U.N. General Assembly Resolution 2758 does not establish the People's Republic of China's sovereignty over Taiwan.

Looking ahead, Lai said Taiwan and Quebec could deepen cooperation in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, aerospace, critical minerals, renewable energy and supply chain security.

The five-member delegation comprised Blanchet and Bloc Québécois lawmakers Christine Normandin, Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe, Patrick Bonin and Sébastien Lemire.