Amid the Carney administration’s efforts to strengthen ties with Beijing, the Chinese government has disclosed engaging in a frank discussion on military matters with Canadian officials in early September. The meeting, as per Beijing, occurred in Canada on September 4, marking a significant shift after a period of strained diplomatic relations and prompting concerns among Conservatives opposed to military collaboration with China.
China’s defense ministry disclosed that the two nations conducted their fifth defense coordination dialogue recently, a report later confirmed by Canada’s Department of National Defence. A news release stated, “The two sides had a candid and in-depth exchange of views on international and regional issues of mutual interest, expressed willingness to strengthen practical exchanges and cooperation between the two militaries, and enhanced mutual understanding and trust.”
Notably, Canada had refrained from military exercises or cooperation with the People’s Liberation Army since 2018, during a diplomatic crisis involving the detention of two Canadians by Beijing.
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According to the Chinese Embassy in Ottawa, the meeting signified “the resumption of military talks between the two countries after eight years,” a perspective not confirmed by Canada’s Department of National Defence. The department clarified in a news release that the meeting was conducted “in support of ongoing military-to-military communications at the functional level.”
The meeting was centered on Canada’s commitment to safeguarding its citizens’ safety and strategic interests. The government’s longstanding practice of not publicizing working-level meetings was reiterated in the release.
The Department highlighted the Carney government’s approach of establishing “guardrails” in bilateral relations with China, outlining specific areas for potential deeper cooperation while excluding defense collaboration.
However, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre expressed skepticism, citing Carney’s previous remarks characterizing China as Canada’s foremost global threat. Poilievre criticized the defense coordination talks with Beijing, emphasizing concerns over the lack of transparency in the process.
