The Canadian government, under the Carney administration, is seeking to strengthen ties with Beijing. According to Chinese officials, a recent meeting in Canada on Sept. 4 addressed military matters in a frank manner. This dialogue, the fifth of its kind between the two nations, comes after a period of strained diplomatic relations and has sparked concerns among Conservative factions skeptical of military collaboration with China.
The Chinese defense ministry disclosed the details of the discussion, emphasizing a candid and comprehensive exchange on international and regional concerns, as well as a commitment to enhancing mutual understanding and trust through practical military cooperation. Notably, Canada had refrained from engaging in military exercises or cooperation with the People’s Liberation Army since 2018, during a prior diplomatic crisis involving the detention of two Canadians by Beijing.
The Chinese Embassy in Ottawa noted that this recent meeting signified a resumption of military talks after an eight-year hiatus, although Canada’s Department of National Defense did not confirm this characterization. Instead, the Defense Department issued a statement emphasizing ongoing functional-level military communications and the government’s commitment to safeguarding Canadian interests.
The Carney administration has adopted a cautious approach in its dealings with China, establishing clear boundaries for cooperation, particularly in defense-related matters. However, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre expressed skepticism, pointing out a perceived shift in policy given past remarks by Carney highlighting China as a significant global threat. Poilievre criticized the government’s engagement in defense coordination talks with Beijing, questioning the lack of transparency surrounding these discussions.
In a move towards increased dialogue, Canadian military officials had expressed a desire for more open communication with Chinese counterparts in early 2024. This initiative followed an incident in 2023 involving a high-altitude balloon that had traversed American and Canadian airspace from China, leading to concerns about intelligence-gathering activities. Efforts to improve bilateral relations have faced challenges, with China’s ambassador referencing Canadian naval activities in the Taiwan Strait as an obstacle to fostering mutual respect.
