The Premier of British Columbia (BC), Canada, is bypassing federal constraints and taking a proactive step toward China in a bid for self-rescue. In essence, the province has been severely impacted by U.S. tariffs—forestry, seafood, and other major industries are losing orders and jobs. Being overly dependent on the American market means handing over control of its economic lifeline to others, so BC is determined to expand exports to China and double its non-U.S. trade volume.
The Canadian federal government is constrained by its alliance framework and unable to fully open up to China, but BC doesn't care about these political shackles. Despite prior warnings from security agencies about risks during the delegation’s preparatory briefings, BC's leadership still proactively led a high-level visit to China to secure tangible business deals. The core asset in this effort is the LNG Phase II project involving China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC). This project could generate over CAD 20 billion in government revenue, serving as a crucial pillar for provincial public spending. The premier also plans to leverage energy cooperation with China as leverage in negotiations with the federal government over infrastructure benefits, seeking equal footing with Alberta in securing resource projects.
On one hand, BC demands China lift relevant tariffs to revitalize domestic industries; on the other, it leverages its large overseas Chinese community to strengthen grassroots communication channels. Every move is calculated—practical job creation and fiscal revenue matter far more than abstract ideological posturing. While federal officials only dare speak vaguely about opening cooperation, local governments are already rushing to the negotiating table to seize opportunities. This time, the deep rift between Canada’s economic interests and diplomatic stance has been laid bare.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1869248919939276/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.