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Canada Softens China Stance, Eyes Trade Diversification Under New Govt

Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand indicated a more pragmatic and softened stance towards China, attributing it to a new government and changed geopolitical environment. She emphasized the urgent need for Canada to diversify its trading partners and grow non-US trade by at least 50% over the next decade amid economic stress. This aligns with Prime Minister Mark Carney's recent call to double non-US exports to secure new opportunities and create jobs. The shift comes as Canada faces significant tariffs on exports to the US, its largest trade partner.

Key Points: Canada's New Tone on China, Trade Diversification Push

  • Canada softens diplomatic tone towards China
  • Aims to grow non-US trade by 50% in 10 years
  • New govt under PM Carney shifts foreign policy
  • Seeks to diversify supply chains and exports
  • Faces high US tariffs despite close trade ties
2 min read

Canadian FM softens tone towards China, says it's a "new govt" with "new foreign policy, geopolitical environment"

Canadian FM Anita Anand signals softer China approach, highlights new govt's policy shift and plan to grow non-US trade by 50% in a decade.

"In this moment of economic stress... it is necessary for us to diversify our trading partners - Anita Anand"

Beijing, January 15

Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand on Wednesday signalled a softening in Ottawa's stance towards China, highlighting that the country now operates under a "new government with a new prime minister, a new foreign policy, and a new geopolitical environment."

Responding to a question on whether Canada still views China as a "global disruptive power", Anand emphasised the need to adapt Canada's economic and diplomatic strategies amid shifting global circumstances.

"In this moment of economic stress for our country, it is necessary for us to diversify our trading partners and to grow non-US trade by at least 50 per cent over the next 10 years," she said.

Anand was speaking to reporters in Beijing as part of the Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's delegation during his visit to China, as Ottawa seeks to expand its trade options after Carney called for doubling its "non-US exports over the next decade".

The Canadian Foreign Minister added that Canada will continue its efforts to diversify supply chains while standing firm on national interests, noting that the geopolitical landscape has shifted significantly over recent years, citing changes in both military conflicts and the global economic order.

She underscored the country's pragmatic approach towards China under the current government led by PM Carney.

"The work that we will continue to do is to diversify supply chains. While continuing to stand up for Canadian interests at every turn," Anand said,

"Over the course of the last few years, the geopolitical environment has changed substantially. Not only in terms of military conflict, but also in terms of the economic environment where the economic order is becoming rewired. As a result of that rewiring, Canada has taken a number of steps under Prime Minister Carney," she added.

This comes days after the Canadian PM called for diversifying the country's trade options by doubling its "non-US exports over the next decade".

"In a shifting global trade landscape, Canada's new government is focused on what we can control. We're going to double our non-US exports over the next decade -- to secure new opportunities for Canadian businesses, and create tens of thousands of new careers for Canadian workers," Carney said in a post on X on Monday.

Canada is currently facing high tariffs on its exports from the US, with a 35 per cent tariff rate, despite being its largest trade partner.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priyanka N
This is realpolitik in action. When your biggest partner slaps 35% tariffs, you have to look elsewhere. China is a massive market. Canada's move shows that in geopolitics, there are no permanent friends or enemies, only permanent interests. 🇨🇦🤝🇨🇳
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Aman W
While I understand the economic necessity, I hope Canada doesn't compromise on its stated values just for trade. Engaging with China needs a careful, clear-eyed approach. Their "new foreign policy" should mean being firm on issues like fair trade practices and transparency.
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Sarah B
From an Indian perspective, it's a lesson. We've also had to balance our relations with major powers. Diversification is key for any economy's resilience. Maybe there are opportunities for India-Canada trade to grow as well in this "rewired" order.
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Vikram M
The tone is definitely softer. Calling it a "new government with a new foreign policy" is diplomatic language to reset relations. Every country is recalculating its position post-Ukraine and with global economic slowdown. Smart move by Canada, baaki time will tell.
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Kiran H
It's all about economics. When your neighbour charges you so much, you look for new friends. Hope they negotiate a good deal. India should also watch and learn—strong domestic manufacturing and multiple trade partners is the only way to be secure.

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