APEC

Thursday November 16, 2023

Trudeau's absence from crucial discussions at the APEC summit, coupled with Canada's reactive foreign policy and diminishing influence, highlights a concerning trend of waning global relevance and a need for a comprehensive strategic realignment.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday November 16, 2023

Trudeau’s Fading Global Impact Evident at APEC Summit Amid Trade Talks and China Tensions

November 16, 2022

As leaders convene at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in San Francisco, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s absence from crucial discussions highlights Canada’s declining influence on the global stage, particularly in the face of exclusion from trade talks and escalating tensions with China.

Trudeau’s limited role in key diplomatic circles, exemplified by his exclusion from discussions between U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, underscores Canada’s diminishing significance in shaping international affairs. The Trudeau administration’s handling of tensions with China has not only strained bilateral relations but has also left Canada isolated, with the absence of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi further undercutting its standing.

News: For Trudeau, the heavy lifting at APEC starts now  

April 21, 2023

The APEC summit reveals the disconnect between Trudeau’s emphasis on Indo-Pacific policy priorities and the urgent geopolitical challenges unfolding globally, such as delicate U.S.-China talks on military communications and artificial intelligence. Canada’s faltering Indo-Pacific strategy, marked by stalled trade talks and concerns about its ‘values first’ approach, raises questions about the country’s strategic acumen in navigating complex international relations.

Canada’s exclusion from discussions on the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) further highlights its diminishing relevance, raising doubts about its ability to influence economic policies that impact its interests. The absence of a comprehensive foreign policy review since 2005 has left Canada with a reactive and ad hoc approach, driven more by domestic politics than a coherent strategy addressing global challenges.

December 5, 2017

To regain influence, Canada must reevaluate its foreign policy, prioritizing security in specific regions while reasserting its role as a mediator and advocate for global causes. The APEC summit serves as a critical juncture for the Trudeau government to redefine its approach, ensuring that Canada’s voice resonates in discussions shaping the interconnected world’s future. (AI)

 

November 18, 2006

Well good for Stephen Harper for bringing up human rights with the President of China. While the brief meeting sounds like it might’ve taken place as the two were standing next to each other in the line-up at the APEC conference buffet table, it seems the Chinese are none too pleased with the new style of diplomacy from the Canadians. After 13 years of sycophantic Liberal Prime Ministers prioritizing trade with China way above demanding action to improve human rights there’s finally a government in Ottawa which is serious about highlighting China’s brutal record with its own people.

Last year I reflected on the ongoing custom of Liberal Prime Ministers going through the old song and dance of making the same old feeble demands for human rights as trade grows exponentially between the two countries:

It’s kind of refreshing to know, much to the dismay of the travelling Canadian media, that no cheesy photo-ops between Harper and Hu ever materialized. Canada and China are officially at odds with each other over a noble cause: human rights.

Still, many are berating Harper for threating to damage valuable trade links, and having the gall to criticize other countries for poor human rights when (yeah, you’ve heard it before) we Canadians have our own embarassing record of mistreating our aboriginal people.

Well I suppose Stephen Harper will get criticized for whatever he does. Knowing China has imprisoned Husyin Celil, a Chinese-Canadian citizen, on terrorism charges, and won’t acknowledge his Canadian citizenship, Harper would be stupid not to bring up human rights with China.