Canada: Carney Visits China Amid US Rift

Is Canada's partnering with China smart economics, or is this embracing a threat to Canadian sovereignty and values?

Published 2 hours ago

Canada: Carney Visits China Amid US Rift

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Above: Chinese President Xi Jinping with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on the sidelines of the 32nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Gyeongju, South Korea on Oct. 31, 2025. Image credit: Yao Dawei/Xinhua/Getty Images

The Spin

Left narrative

Renewing the strategic partnership with China makes economic sense for Canada. As the world's second-largest economy and Canada's second-largest trading partner, a pragmatic relationship with Beijing creates greater stability and prosperity. This signals a mature diplomatic approach on Canada's part.

South China Morning Post

Mark Carney on X

Right narrative

Pivoting toward China means embracing an authoritarian dictatorship that threatens Canadian sovereignty through election meddling, secret police stations and Arctic incursions. Trading American democracy for a Chinese dictatorship abandons Canadian values for a regime that crushes dissent.

Sylvia Pencak on X Toronto Sun

Narrative C

Trump's reckless "Donroe Doctrine" is catastrophically backfiring. His threats to seize Canada as a 51st state and his brutal Venezuela intervention have shattered old alliances, driving Ottawa into Beijing's arms. What should have been the U.S.'s most reliable partner now seeks refuge with its greatest rival.

Chatham House Chicago Council on Global Affairs