During Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau's visit to China in mid-January 2026 (the first in eight years), Foreign Minister Anand was repeatedly questioned at a press conference: "You once called China a 'destabilizing force,' do you still hold this view?" In response, Anand did not give a direct answer throughout the session, only stating that "this is a new government and a new foreign policy," emphasizing the need to increase non-US trade by 50% within a decade and promote trade partner diversification. His evasive attitude of "ignoring the question" was captured by the media as a symbolic diplomatic scene, reflecting Canada's embarrassment over its historical stance.

This shift in attitude reflects the country's strategic dilemma in the Sino-US rivalry and its policy shift toward China.

The reason for this change is the pressure exerted by the Trump administration on Canada after returning to the White House:

Imposing tariffs of 25%-35% on key exports such as steel and aluminum, and automobiles, threatening a 5% GDP contraction and 150,000 job losses in Canada;

Trump publicly claimed that "Canada should be the 51st state of the United States" and released an Arctic map showing Canada incorporated into the American territory;

The USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) being formalized deepens the dependent relationship, with the United States unilaterally defining the Northwest Passage as an "international waterway" challenging Canada's sovereignty.

The Trudeau government's tough policies toward China have been precisely counteracted:

After following the United States in imposing a 100% tariff on Chinese electric vehicles, China imposed a 75.8% anti-dumping duty on Canadian canola, causing an export volume drop of 76% in agricultural areas like Saskatchewan, and the supply chain facing collapse;

According to Canadian statistics, China is its second-largest trading partner (trade volume of $118.7 billion in 2024), highlighting the irreplaceability of the market, especially in energy and agricultural product sectors where there is high complementarity.

After the Kanai government came to power, Canada's adjustment of its policy toward China is essentially a pragmatic choice under the loosening of the hegemonic order, but historical grievances and domestic divisions make its transformation difficult. The agreements signed during this visit have been criticized by some provinces, and the interference of political factors adds uncertainty to the long-term stable and positive development of Sino-Canadian relations. Whether Sino-Canadian relations can genuinely improve in the future depends on whether Canada can fulfill its commitment of "mutual respect" through actions and completely abandon the Cold War mentality.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1854571006602252/

Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.