The election of Joe Biden has put the relationship between Canada and the United States on a better footing. David Carment and Richard Memijean write:
Biden has already returned the relationship to normal by making his virtual meeting with Trudeau his first as leader, reflecting his plan to stabilize American foreign policy.
Despite disagreement on a few key issues, Canadians were pleased. Biden and Trudeau have an obvious personal chemistry, reinforced by their centrist ideological outlooks and their recognition that politically they need to tack left. Both want their countries to “build back better” while paying attention to climate change and addressing socioeconomic inequality. Progress will occur on other shared concerns, such as NATO’s future, multilateralism, human rights and democracy promotion.
But there is a downside. As we grow closer to the United States, our options become more limited:
A friendly American administration will not necessarily make it easier for Canada to pursue its interests and enhance its sovereignty. Biden is an American president first and foremost, and is using diplomacy and statecraft to promote his interests and goals. Like Trump and Obama before him, Biden will pressure Canada to help him succeed, such as by spending more on defence and security.
On issues that truly matter to Canadians, he so far has given precious little. There was no word on American assistance on vaccine procurement, exemptions from Biden’s nationalist procurement strategy, or consideration for Canada’s pipeline concerns.
Biden’s “alliance of values” seeks to restore American hegemony. He wants to re-establish American leadership in areas that risk being dominated if not controlled by China. Allies can go along for the ride and help Biden address his political concerns. Otherwise, they face the prospect of heightened tensions, as Europe is now encountering as it tries to work constructively with both China and the U.S.
And to solve our problems with China, we must rely on the United States:
The new framework on Canada-U.S. relations states that the two countries are discussing how “to more closely align our approaches to China.” Ironically, Conservative leader Erin O’Toole’s attempt to portray the Liberals as soft on China, such as the recent House motion declaring crimes against the Uyghurs to be genocide, will if anything only push Canada deeper into the American orbit, since Canada on its own lacks the power to stand up to China.
So, in some way, things are better. But, on the other hand, we are over a barrel.
Image: Getty Images
7 comments:
Having lived in Hong Kong from 2010/18 I have been a witness to the perils of being too close to China. Witness now the situation in Hong Kong and anyone who believes that China are an agreeable nation should give their head a shake. Whether Trudeau is soft on China shouldn't be the "Tool's" concern but he should remind himself that it was his illustrious past leader who gave away the keys to the company store.As idealogical as it sounds I would love to see the world break free of this stranglehold that the Chinese have on our economy and go back to a time when they chose to be on their own. The EU is grappling with reinstating a trade agreement with them or making a statement against the lack of human rights in China.
China is the elephant in the room, zoombats. Unfortunately, it can't be ignored.
We cannot be drawn in to US foreign policy.
To do so will bleed us dry with the purchase of ever more expensive US weapons and fighting American wars of conquest which have every chance of escalating as the US fails .
When we travel wearing maple leaf should be the sign of being a Canadian and not a I am not an American statement!
TB
Re,
The EU is grappling with reinstating a trade agreement with them or making a statement against the lack of human rights in China.
Making a statement or actually doing something are two very different approaches.
Generally , trade takes precedent over human rights local or international.
The over riding wish to undercut the competition will never go away nationalism or not.
Facing the behemoth of China will take a sea change in our buying attitudes.
I still see us rushing to Wall*mart for the Chinese deal of the day.
Flag waving is but symbolism and self gratification.
True nationalism takes sacrifice; ever heard of that?
TB
Genuine sacrifice requires putting self-interest second, TB. The pandemic has taught us -- once again -- that self-interest is alive and sell.
"And so, in relations between China and Canada, we will continue to raise issues of freedom and human rights, be a vocal advocate and an effective partner for human rights reform, just as we pursue the mutually beneficial economic relationship desired by both our countries."
- Harper (Dec, 2009)
Libertarians always have lots of open back-burners for somebody else's liberty. But that's okay. The IDU has taken over the "vocal advocate" and "effective partner" roles in the pursuit of mutual benefit, Senator Yuen Pau Woo wants an "open-minded discussion" on the "fever" in Ottawa and the Two Michaels got virtual visits from Dominic Barton last year. All's well in Libertopia. How could it be otherwise?
Libertarians talk liberty, John. But they don't do anything about it.
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