Liberal Leader Mark Carney has identified China as one of the most significant national security threats facing Canada, citing concerns over foreign interference and emerging geopolitical risks, particularly in the Arctic region.
During Thursday night’s federal leaders’ debate, ahead of the April 28 election, Carney was asked to name Canada’s top security concern — his immediate response: “China.”
The following day at a press conference in Niagara Falls, Carney expanded on his statement, emphasizing that Canada must actively counter Chinese attempts at interference within the country. He also expressed concern over China’s close partnership with Russia in the ongoing war in Ukraine and pointed to China’s broader influence in Asia, particularly its stance toward Taiwan, as part of its growing global threat.
“From a geopolitical perspective, China represents the most serious challenge,” Carney said. “We’re already taking steps to address it.”
The Chinese embassy in Ottawa has yet to issue a response to Carney’s remarks.
With less than two weeks left until election day, Carney’s Liberal Party continues to maintain a lead in national polling.
Beyond the issue of China, Carney also addressed Canada’s ongoing trade tensions with the United States. The long-time trading partners have entered a heated trade conflict, triggered by U.S. tariffs on Canadian automobiles, steel, aluminum, and other goods not meeting North American trade agreement standards. In response, Canada has imposed its own retaliatory tariffs.
However, Carney clarified that Canada will not mirror the U.S. tariffs “dollar for dollar,” instead taking a more measured and strategic approach. He said the global trade framework is undergoing a major transformation, and Canada must adapt accordingly.
“The values we once shared with the U.S. are shifting,” Carney noted. “So, our approach to engagement must evolve too.”
He stressed that Canada must now look beyond just the United States and China for trade partnerships, pointing to growth opportunities in Europe, Southeast Asia (ASEAN), the Mercosur trading bloc, and other regions around the globe.
“There are tremendous opportunities to build deeper economic ties beyond the current superpowers, and we intend to pursue them,” Carney said.
