Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said China is one of the biggest threats to the country in terms of foreign interference and geopolitics, and criticised Beijing for partnering with Russia in the war against Ukraine, according to a Reuters report.
During an election debate on Thursday night, Carney called China the biggest threat to Canada’s security. At a news conference in Niagara Falls on Friday, he emphasised the need to counter external interference from China.
Carney also said China’s co-operation with Russia in the war against Ukraine poses a threat to all of Asia, especially Taiwan.
“We are taking steps to overcome that,” he said.The Chinese embassy in Ottawa did not comment on the statement. Carney’s Liberal Party is leading in the polls ahead of the 28 April parliamentary election.
In addition, Canada remains embroiled in a trade standoff with the U.S., retaliating with duties on U.S. restrictions on Canadian cars, steel and aluminium.
Carney stressed that Canada has no plans to respond dollar-for-dollar, but recognised the restructuring of the global trading system.