China’s high-profile feat was the informal meeting it chaired at the United Nations Security Council. They asked all member states to actually announce their opposition—namely to what they referred to as American coercion. This diplomatic move underscores China’s growing concern over proposed trade deals among various countries that aim to reduce trade with it. Among the responses from Chinese officials to the increasing tensions have been hints of “countermeasures.” They are particularly interested in the lawsuits brought by former President Donald Trump.
During the meeting, Chinese Ambassador Wang Di emphasized that China and Canada seem to be among the few nations taking “concrete and real countermeasures against the unjustified U.S. tariffs.” According to O’Brien, it requires more than reacting to U.S. policy to cope with what Beijing is doing. Rather, it proposes a new paradigm of equity in the international trading regime. Wang expressed confidence that Canada stands alongside China in resisting what he referred to as “typical hegemonic and bullying actions” from the U.S.
Trade relations are rocky between Canada and China after recent tariffs were slapped on Canadian canola and pork. Against the backdrop of escalating trade war with its own allies, Canada retaliated with punishments of its own. Wang reiterated that China is prepared to rescind these tariffs if Ottawa is willing to remove its own levies. He noted, “We have taken notice that, faced with the U.S.’s unilateral bullying, Canada has not backed down.”
At the very informal meeting on the sidelines of the UN, China used the opportunity to address its concerns with U.S. trade practices. Specifically, it faulted the U.S. for having state-directed overcapacity and not maintaining sufficient labor and environmental standards. Unsurprisingly, Canadian officials have reacted to these assertions with a healthy dose of skepticism. They accuse China of meddling in Canadian politics, but they provide little to no concrete evidence to back their claims. Wang countered these accusations, asserting that “China has always regarded Canada as our friend and partner.”
Yet, amid all of these tensions, a series of recent agreements suggests a strengthening economic relationship between China and Canada. Just last month, China broke its own record by importing a record-breaking amount of Canadian crude. This increase was largely due to the Trans Mountain pipeline and a significant decrease in imports from the U.S. All of this underscores China’s desire to continue diversifying its energy portfolio, even as US-China trade tensions continue to escalate.
Wang noted the heightened interest among Canadians in pursuing stronger relationships with China. He was surprised by the positive wave of support for this partnership. Today more Canadians actually apply for visas to visit China than the reverse. “China is Canada’s opportunity, not Canada’s threat,” he stated, highlighting his belief in the potential for mutual benefit through collaboration.
The ambassador pressed Canadian businesses to exercise vigilance in their dealings with China. He warned against negative impacts of future import bans or arbitrary detentions because of deteriorating trade relations. He stressed that in order for bilateral relations to prosper, both countries need to accept their positions in the context of cooperation. “For the bilateral relationship to go well, it takes two to tango,” he said.
In recent months, Chinese President Xi Jinping has echoed similar sentiments during visits to Southeast Asian nations facing high U.S. tariffs. This larger backdrop shows how China is trying to reinforce its own alliances and push back against U.S. hegemony in global trade.
Wang addressed Canada’s position in the middle of these growing tensions. He suggested that beginning in January 2024, China has shown its desire to recalibrate relations by emphasizing common goals. He noted that Canada has to acknowledge a share of the blame in the increased tension in their bilateral relationship today. “Instead, Canada is standing on the right side of history, on the right side of international fairness and justice,” he affirmed.
The ambassador’s comments come in the middle of strong allegations against China. Here are examples of these claims that China is conducting destabilizing activities, including backing Russia and meddling in Arctic matters. Wang’s adamant denial was a clear sign of China’s desire to ensure the continued peace and stability of international relations.
“We want to avoid the situation where humanity is brought back to a world of the law of the jungle again.” – Chinese Ambassador Wang Di
As the effects of these trade negotiations continue to unfurl, it is unclear what the future holds for Canada-China relations. In fact, there is tremendous opportunity for cooperation between the two countries. This is predicated on their capacity to maneuver through tricky dynamics and find the mutual interest amid outside forces and distractions.
