As tensions between Canada and the United States rise over trade disputes, some politicians and commentators are increasingly flirting with the idea of pivoting towards China. They argue that reducing our economic dependence on the U.S. by deepening ties with Beijing could open new markets and stabilize trade. But this is a dangerous gamble one that risks not just Canada’s economy, but our national security, democratic integrity, and global standing.
Yes, the U.S. under President Donald Trump has been unpredictable and even adversarial at times. But to suggest that we seek refuge in an authoritarian regime as a form of protest or hedge is not just shortsighted it’s reckless. Canada’s alliance with the U.S. is built on more than trade; it’s rooted in shared democratic values, robust institutions, and collective security frameworks like NORAD and the Five Eyes. No other global relationship comes close.
The temptation to chase profits in China is understandable lower production costs, access to a massive market, and the lure of economic growth. But as Catherine Swift, president of the Coalition of Concerned Manufacturers and Businesses Canada, rightly points out, this isn’t just a business decision. China’s trade practices, from dumping to state subsidies, are anything but fair. More importantly, economic engagement with Beijing doesn’t come without strings it comes with control, surveillance, and strategic influence.
This is the same regime accused of human rights abuses, transnational repression, and foreign election interference. The presence of secret Chinese police stations on Canadian soil used to intimidate dissidents and the growing cyberespionage threats linked to Beijing should set off alarms, not open the door wider.
And we must ask: what kind of “partner” uses trade and investment as tools of manipulation? As Toronto-based human rights activist Sheng Xue warns, deeper economic ties with China risk hollowing out Canada’s industries, making us a dependent satellite in their global supply chain. It’s not a partnership it’s a power imbalance.
Former ambassador David Mulroney has said it best: what we need now is geopolitical maturity, not panic. Running from our problems with Washington straight into Beijing’s arms is not a solution it’s a surrender.
It’s also worth noting that closer ties with China would isolate Canada from its allies. The G7 and Five Eyes countries are actively working to reduce dependency on China does not deepen it. Reversing course would erode Canada’s credibility and potentially jeopardize intelligence-sharing and security cooperation with our closest partners.
And what message would we send by strengthening ties with a government that has detained Canadians arbitrarily, as in the case of Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor? Or one that seeks to dominate strategic sectors through unfair means, like installing unauthorized modems in shipping cranes to collect sensitive data?
We cannot trade long-term sovereignty and principles for short-term economic gains. Our relationship with the U.S. has spanned centuries, delivering more mutual benefit than any other. To abandon that history over temporary political discomfort is not just naïve it’s irresponsible.
The answer to our current trade tensions is not to cozy up to a regime with a record of exploitation and oppression, but to double down on building a better, fairer partnership with the United States one rooted in transparency, democracy, and mutual respect.
Canada’s future lies not in appeasing authoritarianism, but in standing firm with our allies and defending the values that define us.
