Liberal Leader Mark Carney has highlighted the issue of foreign interference from China as a significant threat to Canada. During a federal leaders’ debate ahead of the upcoming April 28 election, Carney identified China when questioned about Canada’s primary security concern. He elaborated on this position during a news conference in Niagara Falls, Ontario, emphasizing the need for Canada to address Chinese interference.
Carney criticized China’s alliance with Russia in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and expressed concerns about its influence in Asia, particularly regarding Taiwan. He described China as the largest threat from a geopolitical perspective and assured that measures are being taken to mitigate these risks. The Chinese embassy in Ottawa has yet to issue a response to these remarks.
As the election campaign progresses, Carney’s Liberal Party maintains a lead in the polls. Additionally, Canada is engaged in a trade dispute with the United States. In response to U.S. tariffs on Canadian autos, steel, and aluminum, Canada has implemented retaliatory tariffs on American goods. Carney clarified that Canada would not engage in tit-for-tat tariff measures but acknowledged a shifting landscape in global trade relations.
Carney noted the changing dynamics in the relationship with the United States, indicating that Canada’s engagement level will adjust accordingly. He pointed out opportunities for Canada to strengthen ties beyond the U.S. and China, focusing on regions such as Europe, ASEAN, and Mercosur, as potential areas for deeper economic cooperation. Carney expressed optimism that Canada would pursue these opportunities effectively.
