Canadian and Chinese officials held talks on military and regional security issues earlier this month, marking a renewed channel of communication between the two countries after years of strained relations.
China’s defence ministry said the fifth Canada-China defence co-ordination dialogue took place in Canada on Sept. 4, describing the discussions as a “candid and in-depth” exchange on international and regional issues of mutual interest.
Canada’s Department of National Defence subsequently confirmed the meeting, saying it was held as part of ongoing military-to-military communications at the functional level.
According to Beijing, officials from both countries expressed an interest in strengthening practical exchanges, improving communication and building greater mutual understanding and trust.
The discussions come as Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government seeks deeper engagement with China in selected areas while maintaining limits on other aspects of the bilateral relationship.
Ottawa says defence co-operation remains off limits
Despite Beijing’s characterization of the meeting, the Canadian government stressed that the talks do not signal a return to broader military co-operation with China.
Canada has not conducted military exercises or other forms of military co-operation with China’s People’s Liberation Army since 2018, when relations deteriorated sharply amid a diplomatic crisis that included Beijing’s detention of two Canadians.
The Chinese Embassy in Ottawa described the Sept. 4 meeting as the resumption of military talks between the countries after eight years, although Canada’s Defence Department did not endorse that characterization.
National Defence said the discussions were focused on protecting Canadians and advancing Canada’s strategic interests.
Ottawa also pointed to the Carney government’s approach of establishing “guardrails” in its relationship with Beijing. Under that framework, Canada has identified areas where greater engagement with China could take place while maintaining restrictions in others — including defence co-operation.
Conservatives raise concerns over talks
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre criticized the meeting, accusing Carney of reversing his previous position on China.
Poilievre argued that Canada should not pursue military co-operation with Beijing, citing longstanding concerns over foreign interference, the detention of Canadians and allegations involving unauthorized Chinese police stations.
He also criticized the government over the way the meeting became public, noting that Canadians initially learned about the discussions through Chinese sources.
The Conservatives have rejected the idea of closer military co-operation with China as Ottawa works to rebuild parts of the broader bilateral relationship.
Canada previously sought renewed communication
Efforts to reopen military communication with Beijing predate the Carney government.
In early 2024, Canadian military officials told MPs they were seeking more direct dialogue with their Chinese counterparts following years of deteriorating relations.
Those efforts followed heightened security tensions, including the 2023 incident involving a high-altitude Chinese balloon that travelled through Canadian and U.S. airspace. American authorities said the balloon carried intelligence-gathering equipment, although they said it did not transmit collected information back to China.
Canadian officials at the time said improved communication could help move the relationship away from confrontational exchanges and toward more functional dialogue.
China, however, has previously criticized Canadian naval deployments through the Taiwan Strait, arguing that such actions undermine efforts to improve military relations.
The latest meeting comes as Ottawa attempts to balance renewed diplomatic and economic engagement with Beijing against continuing concerns over national security, foreign interference and China’s military activities.
