Canadian Foreign Minister: "China Defined as an International Disruptive Force"

Chinese President Xi Jinping [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Bu Aeri] On the 9th (local time), the Canadian government announced that it will define China as an international disruptive force through its newly established Indo-Pacific strategy.

According to local media such as The Globe and Mail, Melanie Joly, Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs, explained Canada's Indo-Pacific strategy during a speech at an event hosted by the Asia Pacific Foundation in Ottawa on the same day.

Minister Joly stated that the government is currently formulating Canada's Indo-Pacific strategy and that the new strategy will strengthen efforts to block foreign interference in Canadian national affairs and the geopolitical situation.

She added that the government has been quietly developing the Indo-Pacific strategy since 2020 and will disclose the comprehensive details within a month.

Local media reported that the government's new stance on relations with China marks a complete reversal from previous policies. Until now, the Canadian government had recognized China as the world's second-largest economy and sought to avoid confrontation.

However, Minister Joly emphasized that Canada must continue trading with China entirely due to its economic scale. She said, "We need to have tough conversations, but at the same time, it is crucial to maintain strong trade relations."

She also mentioned Canadian business activities in China, pointing out, "China is currently causing geopolitical risks, and the business community needs to be aware of this."

Earlier, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau raised suspicions that the Chinese government supported a specific candidate to interfere in the Canadian election.

Prime Minister Trudeau said, "Whether it is China or not, many countries around the world are playing aggressive games to undermine our institutions and democracy," adding, "We will continue to invest in countering foreign attempts to interfere with our democratic order and institutions."

In response, China strongly opposed the remarks. On the 10th, Zhao Lijian, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said at a regular briefing that "China firmly opposes this and has already lodged a stern representation with Canada" regarding Minister Joly's comments. In diplomatic terms, "lodging a stern representation" means formally protesting through diplomatic channels.

Regarding Canada's formulation of the Indo-Pacific strategy, spokesperson Zhao said, "Whatever regional strategy Canada proposes, it should be based on mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, not a zero-sum game," adding, "Adhering to Cold War thinking and zero-sum mentality, and inciting group politics and bloc confrontation will neither win public support nor be realized."

He further clarified that Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Xinjiang issues are China's internal affairs and stated, "Currently, China-Canada relations are at a crossroads, and where the bilateral relationship goes depends on whether Canada treats China objectively and fairly."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.