Justin Trudeau’s China Challenges

Abstract

Justin Trudeau’s Liberal government wants to reinvigorate and deepen the Canada-China relationship, which is complex, difficult, and fraught with political tensions. Significant normative differences between the two countries, particularly with respect to human rights and the conduct of international trade, lead to irritants, tension, miscommunication, and differing expectations, both between governments and among peoples. China’s own international actions often are the source of alarm as well. Managing relations with China, while advancing other key relationships and pushing an ambitious global agenda, requires a comprehensive, balanced, and strategic China policy that advances Canada’s commercial, security, and global interests while addressing issues of concern, in particular human rights and, increasingly, cyber and domestic security threats. While the Trudeau government has invested new energy and created new architecture in Canada’s ties with China, it has yet to meet the challenge of finding that critical balance.