The trade war between the United States and Canada has pushed Ottawa towards seeking rapprochement with Beijing after years of a diplomatic crisis. Relations between Canada and China deteriorated sharply in 2018 when the Vancouver police arrested Huawei's CFO, Meng Wanzhou, on a US warrant. In response, Beijing detained two Canadians on espionage charges, which Canada described as 'trumped-up.' They were released only after the US withdrew the extradition request for Meng. In recent months, there has been a significant turning point in relations. Canada's Foreign Minister Anita Anand and Prime Minister Mark Carney held meetings with Chinese leaders, marking the first contact between the two countries' leaders in eight years. Both sides pledged to improve relations and trade cooperation. China also added Canada to its list of approved destinations for tourist groups, a move expected to boost tourism in the North American country. However, experts warn that China could use this moment to drive a wedge between Canada and the US. 'China wants to drive a big wedge between Canada and the United States,' said Michael Kovrig. 'The last thing China wants is a strong, unified Western world that would constrain its global ambitions.' Despite the warnings, both sides have strong economic incentives to improve ties. Last year, Canada imposed a 100% tariff on Chinese electric cars in coordination with the US to protect its domestic market from what it described as unfair competition from state-supported Chinese automakers. China responded with retaliatory tariffs on Canadian agricultural products, including a 100% tariff on canola oil and meal, harming Canadian farmers and effectively closing its second-largest market for the crop. As the US escalates its economic war against its northern neighbor, Canada can no longer afford a trade war with the world's two largest economies. Some see this as making China a more attractive option. 'China has adopted a more reconciliatory and flexible approach in its foreign policy since Trump's return to the White House,' said Professor Brian Wong. 'Beijing is trying to build goodwill with US allies who feel alienated by Washington's erratic and sometimes deceptive moves.' Nevertheless, getting closer to Beijing carries the risk of isolating Ottawa from Washington. In turn, China will seek to leverage improved relations to silence Canadian criticism on human rights issues and to recognize its 'core interests,' including Taiwan. Experts suggest Canada could act as a mediator between the US and China, but any cooperation will be conditional on Beijing's terms.
