Special Committee on the Canada–People’s Republic of China Relationship

Comité spécial sur la relation entre le Canada et la République populaire de Chine

For immediate release

Washington, D.C., Tuesday, November 14, 2023 -

Seven members of Canada’s House of Commons Special Committee on the Canada–People’s Republic of China Relationship (Special committee) met today with members of the United States House of Representatives Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party (Select committee) in Washington, D.C., to discuss issues of shared concern and areas of cooperation concerning the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

Both committees have undertaken parallel work on important issues such as addressing the forced labour and human rights abuses in the PRC’s Xinjiang region and supporting Taiwan in accordance with the common principles outlined in the One China policies of both the U.S. and Canada.

Recent reports from both the Canadian Special committee and the U.S. Select committee include recommendations to work in concert with allies and partners to address issues outlined above, among others, related to the PRC. For example, in the Special committee’s March 2023 report titled Canada and Taiwan: A Strong Relationship in Turbulent Times, the Special committee recommends that Canada, along with its allies, support the peaceful status quo in the Taiwan Strait by opposing any unilateral actions that could escalate tensions. Likewise, the Select committee’s May 2023 report advocates for the U.S. and its allies to coordinate collective planning to deter or respond to a potential security crisis over Taiwan.

In addition to this meeting with the U.S. Select committee, the Special committee’s visit includes meetings with Senators and Members of the House of Representatives who are engaged on issues relating to the PRC and Taiwan and members of the U.S.–China Economic and Security Review Commission. In addition, upcoming roundtable discussions with experts from esteemed research institutes including the Wilson Center, the Center for Strategic and International Studies, the Stimson Center and Pew Research will be an opportunity for the Special committee to engage with stakeholders during the visit.

“Relations between Canada, the United States and the People’s Republic of China are at an inflection point. By coordinating with our U.S. counterparts, we can ensure that the work of our committee is amplified. I hope that this discussion with the U.S. Select committee will mark the beginning of an ongoing dialogue between both committees.” - Ken Hardie, M.P., Chair

“The United States has different legislative tools to address the problematic actions of the Chinese Communist Party that affect both Canada and the United States, including foreign interference, and human rights abuses such as forced labour and surveillance in PRC supply chains and investments. The United States’ focus on combatting foreign interference and its active enforcement of protective laws and measures protects vulnerable diaspora communities targeted by Beijing.” – Tom Kmiec, M.P., Vice-Chair

“Respect for human rights is an essential cornerstone of democracy. The important and necessary parallel work of our committees on the People's Republic of China's treatment of Uyghurs and other Muslim and Turkic minorities in the Xinjiang Autonomous Region, and of dissidents of the Chinese Communist regime overseas, highlights the serious threat posed by the PRC to the national security, sovereignty and democratic values of both our states.” – Stéphane Bergeron, M.P., Vice-Chair

“As the world confronts multiple global crises, there is a need to strengthen Canadian diplomacy to confront the perpetrators of human rights abuses. Today’s discussions were an opportunity to raise important issues with the U.S. Select Committee, including advocating for stronger human rights legislation, improving protection against forced labour, and implementing a stronger human rights framework for companies working abroad.” – Heather McPherson, M.P., Vice-Chair