Context:

A Pew poll indicates Canadians held a more favorable view of China than the United States during Donald Trump’s second term, with 44% of Canadians expressing a favorable view of China versus 33% for the U.S. The shift comes amid years of Canada’s critique of China over human rights, particularly toward Uyghurs, and a recent thaw in relations tied to trade talks and diplomatic outreach. The broader context shows Canada pursuing a pragmatic economic engagement with China while navigating security and values concerns, including past sanctions and recent Chinese actions. The outlook suggests continued balancing of economic opportunities with human rights and geopolitical tensions as Ottawa and Beijing deepen ties. The U.S.-Canada friction, including tariffs and political rhetoric, remains a complicating backdrop for this dynamic.

Dive Deeper:

• A Pew Research Center survey of 1,020 Canadians conducted between February 8 and May 13 found 44% had a favorable view of China, while 33% favored the United States, marking a shift since last year when Canadians were more evenly split between the two countries.

• Canada has long condemned China for human rights abuses against Uyghurs in Xinjiang, a concern that has influenced bilateral dynamics and sanctions dating back to March 2021 when four Chinese officials and one entity were sanctioned.

• Diplomatic strains intensified around the detentions of Canadians Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig, and despite their release, more than 115 Canadians remained in Chinese custody at the time, underscoring the volatility of the relationship.

• Under Prime Minister Mark Carney, Canada pursued engagement with Beijing, including a first visit by a Canadian premier to China in eight years and a preliminary trade deal that included tariff reductions on Canadian agricultural products and Chinese electric vehicles.

• Canada’s foreign minister highlighted a goal to grow exports to China by 50% by 2030, while stressing the need to safeguard national security and values, reflecting a strategy of responsible, targeted economic diplomacy alongside human rights considerations.