Canada’s Anand Pursues Cooperation with China Amid Complex Relations

Canada’s Foreign Minister, Anita Anand, announced on October 15, 2023, that the country will seek to collaborate with China where possible while challenging it on crucial issues. Speaking during her visit to Singapore as part of a three-nation Asian tour, Anand emphasized the importance of maintaining open dialogue with China, a significant partner within the Indo-Pacific region.

Anand’s upcoming meetings with China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, are expected to cover their strategic partnership, the evolving global context, and matters of economic significance. She described Canada’s relationship with China as “complex” and highlighted the need for ongoing discussions to address bilateral concerns and explore opportunities for collaboration.

“We are working to make sure we’re cooperating with China where we can, challenging them where we must, but at all times, having a dialogue where we can raise issues of importance for Canada,” Anand stated during her discussions in Singapore.

Expanding Relationships in the Indo-Pacific

Anand’s trip, which includes visits to India and Singapore, underscores Canada’s commitment to enhance bilateral ties and deepen cooperation as part of its Indo-Pacific Strategy. In Singapore, Anand aimed to reinforce connections with one of Canada’s key partners in Southeast Asia. The visit also marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Canada and Singapore.

Before her arrival in Singapore, Anand met with Indian officials, including Foreign Minister S Jaishankar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. These discussions were significant, as they indicated a thaw in relations between Ottawa and New Delhi, which had been strained following the 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian Sikh separatist leader. Former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of involvement in the incident, a claim that New Delhi has vehemently denied. The fallout resulted in the expulsion of senior diplomats from both countries and restrictions on visa services.

During her discussions in New Delhi, Anand and her Indian counterparts agreed on a roadmap to enhance collaboration, focusing on critical minerals, trade, and agricultural value chains. They also emphasized the importance of law enforcement dialogue to address security concerns. Anand expressed that Canada’s engagement with India prioritizes public safety and security at home.

“The joint declaration we finalized specifically mentions respect for the rule of law and security dialogue,” she noted.

Advocating for Multilateralism

Anand also addressed the significance of multilateralism in her recent speech at the United Nations General Assembly. She highlighted the need for global cooperation to tackle challenges like climate change and called for strengthening international institutions.

“Canada is committed to cooperating and collaborating within multilateral organisations. That’s not just words; that is the foreign policy of our country,” Anand remarked, emphasizing that global challenges require collective action.

As countries increasingly lean towards protectionism, the multilateral system faces mounting pressure. Anand reaffirmed Canada’s role as a leader in promoting multilateralism and improving global organisations.

“We will not retreat,” she stated, outlining Canada’s foreign policy, which now rests on three pillars: defence and security, economic resilience, and core values in a rapidly changing world.

Anand concluded that this clear and concise foreign policy will guide Canada’s international efforts moving forward, emphasizing the importance of building robust relationships globally, especially in the Indo-Pacific region.