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KMT defends its chairwoman Cheng Li-wun's upcoming visit to China, stating that peace is essential for prosperity and Taiwan's future. The party responds to criticism from a government official regarding the 'one-China' framework and media registration requirements. KMT emphasizes that true strength lies in providing stability and security to the people through peaceful means.

Why it matters: Taiwan Strait stability directly affects Canadian semiconductor supply; a KMT-led thaw reduces the scenario Ottawa is quietly war-gaming with allies.

Foreign tourists in China are shifting from checklist-style sightseeing to more immersive experiences like pet-friendly tours and cycling excursions, as seen in Qingdao. This trend reflects a broader move toward personalized travel, with statistics showing over 150 million inbound visits in 2025, up 17% year-on-year. These diverse preferences are driving the expansion of varied tourism offerings and deepening international engagement with Chinese culture.

Why it matters: Canadian passport holders remain excluded from China's expanded visa-free list — a quiet sign that Ottawa-Beijing people-to-people ties lag peers.

Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, April 5 (Xinhua News Agency): Exploring the international circle of global market connectivity - Learning to implement the series of reviews of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important discourse on enhancing economic resilience during the National Two Sessions. Xinhua News Agency reporter Zou Duo is an effective means of coping with the challenge of shocks in an open attitude to expand a diversified international market in an external environment with rapid waves. During the two sessions of the National Congress this year, General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized in his participation in the deliberations of the Jiangsu delegation that it is necessary to expand high-level opening up to the outside world, broadly explore global markets, and better connect with the international circle. This important discussion, based on the complex and changing international situation, has released a strong signal for China to continuously promote high-level opening up to the outside world, highlighting the responsibility of major countries for win-win cooperation, and providing a fundamental guide for smoothing the domestic and international double cycle and cultivating China's new competitive advantages. Looking back at the "14th Five-Year Plan", a series of more proactive opening strategies have promoted China's historic achievements in opening up to the outside world - in the past five years, the total value of China's goods trade imports and exports has exceeded 40 trillion yuan and 45 trillion yuan, reaching 45.47 trillion yuan in 2025, an increase of 41.1% over 2020, an average annual increase of 7.1%. While the scale of trade in goods has remained the first in the world for nine consecutive years, in 2025, China's total import and export of service trade exceeded 8 trillion yuan, an increase of 7.4% year-on-year; using the continuous optimization of foreign capital structure, the stock of foreign investment has remained in the top three in the world for nine consecutive years, and foreign direct investment in 2025 is 174.38 billion US dollars, an increase of 7.1% over the previous year....

Why it matters: Canada's 100% EV tariff and steel surtaxes are a direct response to exactly this 'international circulation' strategy — the trade collision is already here.

The Tasmanian Treasurer of Australia, Eric Abetz (second from the left), led the 'Tasmania and Victoria Visit Group' to visit Taiwan. The group will meet with relevant agencies in our country, and pay visits to Newand central-southern regions from today (6) to November 11th. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that during their stay in Taiwan, the delegation will meet with departments at both central and local levels, and also visit areas such as Newand central-southern regions. It was explained by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that Australia is an important like-minded country in the Indo-Pacific region. Taiwan and Australia have close interactions in economic trade, education, science and technology, and personnel exchanges. It is hoped that during this visit, the delegation can further understand Taiwan, and continue to deepen cooperation with Taiwan to jointly promote bilateral exchanges and friendly relations between Taiwan and Australia.

Why it matters: This is the real-time playbook for what happens if a Canadian premier visits Taipei — a question Doug Ford and David Eby have quietly explored.

China will activate electronic border management zone passes, and Taiwanese traveling to border areas such as Xinjiang, Tibet, and Yunnan will have to apply to the exit-entry management agency of the public security organ. (Eurasia News Agency) The State Administration of Migration of China announced that the electronic border management zone pass will be activated from 15. In the future, Taiwanese who wish to travel or visit relatives in border areas such as Xinjiang, Tibet, and Yunnan will have to apply to the exit and entry management agencies of the public security organs at or above the county level. According to the official website of the State Administration of Migration of China, in order to facilitate the application, the electronic border management zone pass will be activated from the 15th, and the issuance of paper documents will be stopped. The paper documents that have been issued can continue to be used during the validity period. Please continue reading... According to public information, the border pass is issued by the Ministry of Public Security of the People's Republic of China, and Chinese citizens who are not in the border management areas need a pass to go to the border management areas of Liaoning, Jilin, Heilongjiang, Xinjiang, Tibet, Guangxi, Yunnan, Gansu, Inner Mongolia and other border management areas. According to the new regulations, mainland Chinese residents over the age of 16 can apply for an electronic border management zone pass that is valid for less than 3 months through the government service platform of the State Administration of Immigration. According to the new regulations, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan residents, overseas Chinese, and foreigners, accompanied by children under the age of 16 or mainland Chinese residents who apply for an electronic border management zone pass valid for one year, must apply for an electronic border management zone pass at the exit-entry management agency of a public security organ at or above the county level or at a designated police station.

Why it matters: Canadian-Uyghur families trying to visit relatives in Xinjiang face another documentation hurdle layered onto existing surveillance.

Hungarian Prime Minister Orban (left) meets with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing in 2024. (Associated Press) [Financial Channel/Comprehensive Report] Hungary is the first European country to sign a Belt and Road cooperation document with China. The high-profile parliamentary election will be held on April 12. Due to economic stagnation and scandal, Prime Minister Viktor Orban's support rate has collapsed, facing a crisis of change. China is worried. Hong Kong media pointed out that Orban's friendly relationship with Beijing has made Hungary the largest Chinese investment destination in Europe, and if Orban steps down, some major infrastructure projects agreed with Beijing will be reviewed, and there are allegations that the process of achieving these projects is opaque and involves corruption. The South China Morning Post reported on the 6th that all powers are closely watching Hungary's elections next week, which are crucial to China's interests in the EU and may reshape China's position in Europe. Read on... Orban has long been Beijing's closest ally within the EU, protecting China from criticism and attracting billions of dollars in investment, the report said. His ouster would deprive China of this political foothold, even if its economic influence in Hungary is likely to be more enduring. Orban's friendly relationship with Beijing has made Hungary the largest Chinese capital destination in Europe. As bilateral ties grow, Hungary attracts investment including BYD's electric vehicle factory and CATL's battery factory....

Why it matters: Canada's investment screening regime was modeled on EU responses to BRI; a Hungarian pivot would accelerate coordinated Western screening Ottawa is actively shaping.

Financial Secretary Chen Maobo said that in the first quarter of this year, the stock market showed a correction in the economic situation in Hong Kong, but trading was active. The IPO market continued to be strong last year, and the real economy also improved. Among them, in addition to the ideal export performance, local consumer confidence also gradually expanded positively. Chen Maobo said on his blog that the global situation remained complex and volatile in the first quarter of this year, and conflicts in the Middle East continued to plague market sentiment. The stock market in Hong Kong was dragged down by external factors, and the Hang Seng Index was down about 2% this year, but trading was active, with an average daily turnover of more than HK $260 billion in the first two months, up 17% year-on-year. Entering the market in March was more active, which was considered to be reflected in the uncertain situation. Investors regarded Hong Kong as a capital safe haven, and also because of the steady growth of the mainland economy, which provided investors with a lot of investment opportunities. He said that the Hong Kong listed platform plays a key role in financing the development of artificial intelligence, contributing to the country's scientific and technological development and the construction of a modern industrial system. As of last month, Hong Kong's IPO market in the first quarter of this year had raised more than HK $103 billion, ranking first in the world. We believe that as the external environment becomes more uncertain, more companies see Hong Kong as an important window for financing and "going to sea" development. Chen Maobo said that Hong Kong is using the "financial +" strategy to help the country develop "new productivity" and actively contribute to the construction of the country's modern industrial system. Recently, Hong Kong was once again recognized as one of the three major international financial centers in the world, with scores close to the top two New York and London, indicating that the sustained economic development of the mainland and the strong support of the country for Hong Kong are the biggest bottoms of Hong Kong's international financial center status.

Why it matters: Over 60,000 Hong Kongers moved to Canada since 2020 — their remittances and asset sales are a leading indicator Ottawa tracks more closely than Chan's press conferences.

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed to the "News" that China has informed the Russian side that it is willing to extend the visa-free travel policy for Russian citizens for one year. In this case, the policy will last until mid-September 2027. Publication time: 06/04/2026 - 11:36 Change time: 06/04/2026 - 11:40 The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed the newspaper that the visa exemption policy for Russian citizens to go to China may be extended for another year, that is, until September 2027. “Our partners have informed us that they are willing to extend the visa-free regime for Russian citizens for another year,” the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified. We're working with them to come up with specific ways to maintain the reciprocal travel regime. ”On September 15 last year, China implemented a one-year 30-day visa exemption policy for Russian citizens; in December of the same year, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree extending similar measures for Chinese citizens until September 14, 2026. At present, the visa exemption policy between Russian and Chinese citizens is being implemented on a trial basis and is valid until September 14, 2026. This means that any Russian citizen can now travel to China for 30 days with just a passport. Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui recently told TASS that a permanent extension of the visa-free regime between Russia and China is desirable and will benefit the people of both countries....

Why it matters: Canada's Russia sanctions list already names Chinese intermediaries; tighter Sino-Russian human flows make enforcement harder at the RCMP and CBSA level.

China confirmed on Sunday the execution of a French national sentenced to death in 2010 for drug trafficking, saying it did not discriminate against defendants on the basis of nationality, a day after Paris criticized the court handling of the case. Chan, born in the southern city of Guangzhou but later a naturalized French citizen, was one of 89 suspects arrested in 2005 for drug trafficking before being jailed for life in 2007.

Why it matters: Robert Schellenberg's death sentence remains the single most raw nerve in Canada-China consular relations — this precedent tightens Beijing's leverage.

The leader of Taiwan's largest opposition party, Cheng Li-wun, who used to be pro-independence now advocates peace with China. She will lead a Kuomintang delegation to China, aiming to meet President Xi Jinping for talks that could have significant symbolic meaning but are unlikely to resolve all long-standing issues. Cheng hopes her visit can build a bridge for peaceful relations across the Taiwan Strait. Some KMT members fear her pro-China stance might alienate moderate voters and U.S. support.

Why it matters: Ottawa's quiet Taiwan trade office upgrade depends on the island remaining pro-West; this signal complicates long-term planning.

You can change your cookie settings through your browser. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of the Kingdom of Thailand will visit China from April 4 to 11 at the invitation of the Chinese government, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson announced on Friday. (Cover: The Chinese Foreign Ministry in Beijing, China.)

Why it matters: Thailand is Canada's largest ASEAN trading partner; Bangkok's tilt toward Beijing directly erodes Ottawa's Indo-Pacific Strategy anchor.

KMT Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun calls for deepening ties between Taiwan and the United States while promoting peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. She emphasizes that Taiwan-US relations should be based on reciprocity and shared values such as democracy and freedom. Improving cross-strait relations will not compromise Taiwan’s relationship with the US, and both sides aim to achieve stable and sustainable peace through dialogue and exchange.

Why it matters: Canada's Taiwan Strait transit policy (HMCS Ottawa, Montreal) depends on a Taipei that welcomes Western engagement — KMT's US tilt preserves that opening.

Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, April 5 (Xinhua News Agency): Buy with confidence, spend with peace of mind - Xinhua News Agency reporter Dai Xiaohe diesel oil salt, food, clothing, shelter and travel make people more comfortable to consume. Since the implementation of the "Three-Year Action Plan for Optimizing the Consumption Environment (2025—2027)" in 2025, various departments in various regions have closely focused on people's consumption demand, aiming at the difficulty of consumption blockage. Accurate efforts have been made with a pragmatic measure and fresh results, so that the masses can consume with more peace of mind, more peace of mind, and more comfort, and the smoke in the consumer market has become more and more intense. Optimizing the consumption environment is inseparable from the planning of the system and solid policy support. Focusing on the consumption problems that people are most concerned about, the General Administration of Market Supervision has taken the lead in linking more than 30 departments and launched nearly 150 specific measures, covering consumer supply, market order, rights protection services and other links, so that the consumer environment can be improved. 48 regions across the country have taken the lead in piloting, creating safe business districts, safe markets, and safe scenic spots, and forming good experiences that can be copied and promoted. With the launch of the "consumption inspection" platform, more than 200,000 units that promise to return goods for no reason can be publicly checked, and consumers can find out the situation of businesses by moving their mobile phones. At the same time, more than 3,200 thematic activities have been carried out across the country, and nearly 100 typical cases have been exposed. The atmosphere of protecting the consumer environment has become stronger and stronger in the whole society. To protect consumer safety, you have to make real moves against market chaos....

Why it matters: Chinese consumer demand is the single biggest variable for Canadian agri-food exports; a genuine rebound could restore $5B+ in annual trade flows.