Taiwan’s diplomatic mission to Canada held a drinks party in Montreal on Thursday evening, local time. Officials from a number of Taiwan’s diplomatic allies and other countries friendly to Taiwan attended. They expressed regret that Taiwan has not been permitted to attend the forum of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which opened in the city on Tuesday.
The event was hosted by Taiwan’s envoy to Canada, Kung Chung-chen, and the intended Taiwanese delegation to the ICAO, which traveled to Montreal despite the lack of an invitation.
Officials from nine of Taiwan’s diplomatic allies offered remarks at the event. These included transportation ministers attending the ICAO forum and ambassadors to Canada from the various nations. They variously called it ridiculous and unfair that Taiwan is unable to take part in important discussions related to international aviation.
Taiwan’s exclusion from this year’s forum reflects China’s increased suppression of Taiwan’s international space to show Beijing’s dislike of the government under President Tsai Ing-wen that took office in May.