Ottawa – Taiwan's top representative in Canada, Harry Tseng, has strongly criticized a series of full-page advertisements placed by the Chinese Embassy in The Hill Times, a prominent Ottawa-based newspaper. The ads, which assert Beijing's claims over Taiwan, have been dismissed by Taiwan as part of China's aggressive "wolf-warrior" diplomacy aimed at coercing other nations.
The advertisements, published in the independently owned The Hill Times, clearly delineate China's stance on Taiwan, prompting a sharp rebuke from Taipei. According to Tseng, these ads signify China's "doubt" in its own territorial claims and represent an attempt to influence Canadian policy. The tweet by Candice Malcolm, which brought attention to the issue, inaccurately described The Hill Times as a "gov-funded Ottawa outlet."
The Hill Times, founded in 1989, is an independently owned and operated publication known for its coverage of Canadian federal government and politics. Its status as an independent entity clarifies that the advertisements were placed in a private media outlet, not a government-funded one, despite the social media assertion.
The incident underscores ongoing tensions between Beijing and Taipei, with Canada often finding itself navigating complex diplomatic waters. Taiwan's ambassador emphasized the importance of Canada rejecting coercion and resisting influence operations, affirming that decisions regarding Taiwan should be shaped in Ottawa, not Beijing. This latest move by China is consistent with its broader strategy of using various platforms to assert its sovereignty claims and counter international support for Taiwan.
China's use of newspaper advertisements in foreign countries is a recurring tactic to promote its geopolitical narratives. Taiwan's consistent response has been to highlight Beijing's pressure tactics and to advocate for democratic principles and self-determination. The diplomatic exchange further illustrates the delicate balance in Canada's foreign relations as it seeks to maintain ties with both China and Taiwan.