Newshour China-Canada trade deal announced
Jan 16, 2026
Ervand Abrahamian, a historian specializing in modern Iran, delves into the recent protests shaking the country, exploring their unique economic drivers and unprecedented involvement from the bazaar. He argues the regime's survival is bolstered by loyalty from the Revolutionary Guards and the pervasive fear of foreign-led changes. Meanwhile, Canadian PM Mark Carney's strategic trade partnership with China highlights a pivot from US reliance, detailing tariffs and the geopolitical ripple effects. Abrahamian concludes with cautious optimism for potential internal reforms.
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Canada Seeks Predictable Trading Options
- Canada pursued a new strategic partnership with China to diversify trade and reduce dependence on an unpredictable United States.
- Mark Carney framed China as a more predictable and respectful trading partner compared with Washington.
Pragmatic Diversification Strategy
- Be pragmatic: understand differences with other countries and work where interests align.
- Carney urged Canada to move quickly and at scale to find new partners and attract investment.
Symbolism Over Immediate Trade Change
- The China-Canada deal reduces some long-term trade frictions but doesn't radically change overall trade volumes.
- Ian Johnson argued the agreement's symbolic value—showing Canada has options—matters more than immediate economic shifts.
