The Chinese government recently disclosed that it engaged in a frank discussion on military matters with Canadian officials in early September during a meeting held in Canada. This meeting, the fifth defense coordination dialogue between the two countries, signifies a shift in diplomatic relations following previous tensions. The news release stated that both parties exchanged views on international and regional concerns, emphasizing the desire to enhance practical exchanges and cooperation while building mutual trust.
Notably, Canada had not participated in any military exercises or cooperation with the People’s Liberation Army since 2018. The Chinese Embassy in Ottawa characterized the recent meeting as the resumption of military talks after an eight-year hiatus, although the Canadian Department of National Defence did not confirm this description. Instead, the department highlighted the meeting’s focus on maintaining the safety of Canadians and Canada’s strategic interests while reinforcing its commitment to setting boundaries in relations with China.
Despite the government’s emphasis on selective cooperation with China, concerns have been raised by Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, who criticized the decision to engage in defense coordination talks with Beijing. Poilievre expressed skepticism, highlighting previous statements by government officials regarding China’s threat to Canada. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a firm stance against a regime that has engaged in actions such as detaining Canadians, interfering in elections, and establishing police presence on Canadian soil.
In a separate development, Canadian military officials expressed a desire for more open dialogue with their Chinese counterparts starting in early 2024. This initiative followed an incident in early 2023 involving a high-altitude balloon that crossed American and Canadian airspace without transmitting information to China. Efforts to rebuild relationships with China have faced challenges, including tensions over navy ships passing through the Taiwan Strait, emphasizing the need for mutual respect in diplomatic engagements.