Hub Podcasts Is Canada selling out human rights for business with China?
Oct 29, 2025
Margaret McCuaig-Johnston, a board director at the China Strategic Risk Institute and former senior Canadian official, dives into Canada's complex relationship with China. She discusses Prime Minister Carney's imminent meeting with Xi Jinping and highlights the risks of enhanced trade ties, particularly regarding human rights and security concerns. Margaret also reveals a surprising shift in Canadian public sentiment, where the U.S. is viewed less favorably than China. She stresses the importance of addressing human rights issues in negotiations and the need for action against Chinese interference in Canada.
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Strategic Partner Label Masks Risk
- China remains Canada's biggest security threat despite new “strategic partner” language.
- Economic opportunities exist but carry major strategic and security risks that can't be ignored.
Don't Trade Tariffs For Short-Term Gains
- Avoid dropping EV tariffs without assessing impacts on Canadian auto industry and security.
- Consider supply chains, forced labor links, data vulnerabilities, and long-term leverage before concessions.
Shifting Public Sentiment Is Tactical, Not Strategic
- Canadian public sentiment toward China has warmed while views of the U.S. cooled due to trade uncertainty.
- Diversification should target multiple Indo-Pacific partners, not pivot solely to China.