Canada

Beijing Exploits Economic Pact to Penetrate Ottawa, Split US–Canada, Analysts Say

Trade deal benefits remain politically contingent and could vanish instantly if diplomatic tensions resurface, experts warn.
Beijing Exploits Economic Pact to Penetrate Ottawa, Split US–Canada, Analysts Say
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney makes his way to hold a press conference in Ritan Park in Beijing, China, on Jan. 16, 2026. The Canadian Press/Sean Kilpatrick
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Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney concluded a four-day visit to China on Jan. 17 with a provisional agreement, but analysts warn the move empowers Beijing to discipline Ottawa if ties sour and it threatens the country’s national security.

Canada announced a “new strategic partnership” with China following Carney’s meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing on Jan. 16, marking the first visit by a Canadian prime minister since 2017.
Jarvis Lim
Jarvis Lim
Author
Jarvis Lim is a Taiwan-based writer focusing on human rights, U.S.–China relations, China's economic and political influence in Southeast Asia, and cross-strait relations.