Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to begin his first official trip to Asia to strengthen trade and security ties, as the country aims to reduce its heavy reliance on the U. S. and seek new markets. During his week-long visit, he may meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping to improve a previously strained relationship impacted by a trade conflict. Analysts emphasize the need for Carney to convey that Canada has its own independent agenda and is moving away from strict alignment with the U. S., especially as U. S. President Donald Trump has made remarks about annexing Canada.
Carney’s trip follows Canada’s recent trade agreement with Indonesia, which aims for duty-free access for most goods. Canada is also targeting trade agreements with the Philippines, Malaysia, South Korea, and Japan. He will participate in the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur, have meetings in Singapore, and attend the APEC summit in South Korea. Despite Carney’s focus on diversifying exports, Canada is still highly dependent on the U. S., with about 75% of its exports heading there.
Experts believe that Asia presents greater business opportunities for Canada than Europe. However, any agreements with China could be affected by the ongoing geopolitical tensions between the U. S. and China. The prime minister may find it challenging to resolve existing disputes with China without improved relations between the two superpowers. Canadians themselves are hesitant about closer ties with China, with a significant portion viewing the country negatively.
Under Carney’s leadership, who has international experience and banking credentials, there is hope for credibility in negotiations with China. He recently spoke with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and anticipates further discussions with senior Chinese leaders. Observers note the importance of Carney’s demeanor in his meetings, particularly with Xi Jinping, as it can influence perceptions of strength and diplomacy.
With information from Reuters