Taipei: Bloc Qu©b©cois leader Yves-Fran§ois 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 in Taipei.
According to Focus Taiwan, the Bloc Qu©b©cois is a federal political party in Canada that advocates Quebec sovereignty. In remarks delivered in French at the Presidential Office, Blanchet stated that 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 highlighted the World Health Organization and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, emphasizing that the latter would remain "incomplete" without Taiwan's membership.
Blanchet also addressed the Montreal-based International Civil Aviation Organization, citing China's activities in military and civilian airspace around Taiwan to underscore the importance of Taiwan's participation. He affirmed that the Bloc Qu©b©cois would continue advocating for Taiwan and urging democratic governments to resist Chinese pressure and support Taiwan's inclusion in multilateral mechanisms.
In terms of economic relations, Blanchet emphasized that 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, and mentioned his party's intention to urge Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to complete the signing. He also expressed support for reopening a Quebec government office in Taipei to promote economic and cultural exchanges.
Blanchet discussed identity and self-determination, stating that Quebec's relationship with Canada should not be directly equated with Taiwan's relationship with China. He acknowledged that Quebec and Canada have been long-standing partners, allies, and friends, while also noting the pressures faced by Quebecers regarding their national identity, language, culture, and values. Citing former Quebec Premier Jacques Parizeau's views on sovereignty, Blanchet remarked on his party's responsibility to support Taiwan's right to self-determination.
During the meeting, President Lai noted the significance of the visit, marking the first delegation organized by the Bloc Qu©b©cois to Taiwan since the party's founding in 1991 and Blanchet's first visit to the country. Lai highlighted shared commitments between Taiwan and Quebec, despite the geographical distance, and both regions' belief in the right to self-determination. He expressed gratitude for the party's support in Canada's Parliament, including a 2024 motion regarding U.N. General Assembly Resolution 2758 and Taiwan's sovereignty.
Looking forward, Lai mentioned the potential for deepened cooperation between Taiwan and Quebec in fields such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, aerospace, critical minerals, renewable energy, and supply chain security. The five-member delegation accompanying Blanchet included Bloc Qu©b©cois lawmakers Christine Normandin, Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe, Patrick Bonin, and S©bastien Lemire.