China Proposes Canada Alliance Against U.S. Trade Policies—Ottawa Hesitates

As trade tensions between the U.S. and China escalate, Beijing has turned its gaze north, calling on Canada to form a united front against what it describes as American “unilateral bullying.” But while the message from China’s ambassador to Canada, Wang Di, was clear—“China is Canada’s opportunity, not its threat”—Ottawa remains deeply skeptical.

In an exclusive interview with The Canadian Press, Wang urged Canada to join China in resisting U.S. tariffs and trade policies. He framed the proposal as a chance to restore global trade balance and push back against Washington’s growing economic pressure. “Both our countries have taken real countermeasures against unfair U.S. actions,” Wang said, praising Canada’s resistance to certain U.S. trade practices and advocating for a broader international coalition.

Yet the call comes at a time when diplomatic ties between Ottawa and Beijing remain strained. While Wang emphasized mutual economic opportunity—pointing to increased Chinese imports of Canadian crude oil and ongoing talks with officials in Saskatchewan—many in Canada view China’s pitch with suspicion.

Recent history gives them reason to hesitate. After Canada imposed 100% tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles last year, citing unfair trade practices and environmental concerns, China swiftly retaliated with restrictions on Canadian pork and canola. And while Wang now suggests those tariffs could be lifted if Canada eases its own measures, experts warn this is a familiar pattern of coercive diplomacy.

“Canada should remain wary,” said Roland Paris, director of international affairs at the University of Ottawa. “China has a well-documented history of using trade as a political lever. While the rhetoric may be cooperative, the underlying strategy often serves Beijing’s geopolitical aims.”

China’s renewed diplomatic push comes as the U.S. moves aggressively to isolate Beijing from global supply chains. Washington’s new trade agreements are designed to reduce dependence on Chinese goods, and President Donald Trump’s administration has doubled down on tariffs targeting key Chinese exports. Wang labeled these efforts “hegemonic” and warned that U.S. behavior is eroding institutions like the United Nations and the World Trade Organization.

However, Canadian leadership isn’t buying into Beijing’s narrative.

During a recent federal election debate, Prime Minister Mark Carney—who is seeking a fourth term—called China “Canada’s biggest security threat,” citing the country’s support for Russia, growing presence in the Arctic, and interference in Canadian political affairs. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre went further, pledging to maintain tariffs on Chinese imports and framing China as a destabilizing force in the international order.

Despite Wang’s claim that public opinion in Canada is shifting toward closer ties with China, recent data suggests otherwise. A 2024 Abacus Data poll found Canadians rated China just 3.1 out of 10 in terms of global favorability—among the lowest scores of any major economy.

Still, China insists the door remains open. Wang noted that growing energy cooperation and regional outreach show potential for rebuilding the relationship, and said, “China has always regarded Canada as a friend and partner. But for a relationship to succeed, it takes two to tango.”

As Canada finds itself wedged between its largest trading partner and one of its most complex rivals, the pressure to choose sides is mounting. For now, Ottawa appears to be treading carefully, balancing economic interests with national security and global alliances.

Whether Canada steps further into China’s embrace—or distances itself even more—will likely depend on both domestic political will and the evolving dynamics of an increasingly polarized global trade landscape.