As Prime Minister Mark Carney plans a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping amidst ongoing U.S. trade tensions, a former diplomat, Michael Kovrig, who endured over a thousand days of imprisonment in China, is cautioning Canadian officials about the threat posed by China. Kovrig emphasized the importance of transparency in assessing the risks and potential benefits of engaging with China. He stressed the need for caution, guardrails, and safeguards to mitigate any negative consequences in the relationship.
Kovrig highlighted China’s recent charm offensive globally, noting that while the rhetoric may have shifted, there has been no substantive change in behavior. He urged Canadians to see through the diplomatic gestures and recognize them as superficial attempts to enhance China’s image without addressing underlying issues.
The former diplomat’s detention in 2018, widely viewed as a retaliatory move by Chinese authorities following the arrest of Huawei’s CFO in Vancouver, significantly strained Canada-China relations. With the ongoing impact of U.S. tariffs on Canadian industries, the Canadian government is exploring new trade partnerships with countries like India and China, emphasizing the importance of public safety and sovereignty.
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand described the foreign policy approach as pragmatic, balancing national interests with economic needs. Kovrig, however, cautioned that pragmatic decisions should not compromise Canada’s security. He pointed out China’s ambitions under the Chinese Communist Party to challenge the U.S. and reshape the global order, aligning with authoritarian regimes like Russia and North Korea.
Expressing mixed feelings about improving ties with China, Kovrig acknowledged the complexities of geopolitics where nations must navigate relationships despite past conflicts. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Carney’s trip to Malaysia for the Indo-Pacific Summit meetings, including a potential encounter with President Xi at the APEC Summit, has gained significance following the breakdown of trade talks between the U.S. and Canada over an Ontario government ad.
Derek Burney, a former chief of staff, stressed the importance of strong leadership in trade negotiations, referencing the historic Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement. Burney urged Canada to demonstrate resolve in dealing with trade disputes, particularly with leaders like Donald Trump. Looking ahead, he recommended Carney focus on expanding trade and investment opportunities with Asian partners to send a strong message amid evolving global dynamics.
