Ottawa: Canada has signaled a noticeable shift in its relationship with China. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand announced that Ottawa now views China as a “strategic partner,” moving away from previous characterizations, such as describing the nation as a “disruptive global power.”
Minister Anand indicated that Canada needs to adopt a “pragmatic approach” to its dealings with Beijing. This strategy aims to both alleviate economic instability and effectively manage complex security and human rights concerns.
The declaration comes days before Prime Minister Mark Carney is scheduled to embark on a tour of Asia. China remains a crucial economic force for Canada, serving as its second-largest trading partner with bilateral trade valued at $118.7 billion last year. The Minister’s statement suggests a pivot toward cautious engagement rather than confrontation in managing the relationship with the East Asian giant.
