Canada frequently perceived as an appendage of the United States, according to Indo-Pacific experts.
A new report commissioned by Global Affairs Canada and researched by Ipsos suggests that Canada can improve its visibility and distinguish itself from the U.S. in the Indo-Pacific region. The report, published on August 15, 2025, highlights the need for a stronger, independent brand and enhanced security collaboration, economic partnerships, and investment in regional think tanks.
The report finds that Canada is often seen as a secondary player aligned with U.S. geopolitical priorities rather than an independent actor. To address this, experts recommend strengthening security collaboration on issues like cybersecurity to build trust and credibility as a distinct partner, beyond U.S.-led frameworks.
Expanding economic and trade ties, especially with regional hubs like ASEAN countries, India, and Japan, is another key area of focus. This could be achieved through concrete agreements such as those on critical minerals and resilient supply chains.
Increasing investments in local think tanks and engagement in regional dialogues is also crucial to raising Canada’s profile as an informed and independent contributor. Maintaining and expanding maritime presence and joint military exercises with multiple regional partners will demonstrate Canada’s commitment beyond U.S.-centric alliances.
The report also acknowledges that Canada lacks a strong brand in the region, with some experts noting that people might not be able to tell the difference between Canada and America. To address this, the report recommends that Canada consider joining the Quad, a security partnership with Australia, India, Japan, and the U.S.
While Canada enjoys a predominantly positive image in the five countries surveyed, as a commodity-exporting country with strong democratic principles, some experts point to Canada's lack of strategic communication, limited embassy presence, and minimal economic and military footprint in the region as factors hindering its engagement with the region.
Respondents in Australia cited Canada's continued extraction of climate-warming fossil fuels as a source of concern. In trade, the report finds a deep desire for joint ventures to provide opportunities for innovation, particularly in areas such as critical minerals, clean energy, agri-food, and digital technologies.
The report warns that Canada's limited on-the-ground visibility makes it less likely to be seen as a partner of choice in the region. It suggests that there is significant room for growth in security collaboration, specifically in cybersecurity.
However, some experts suggest that the strategy relies heavily on widely accepted diplomatic principles without clearly articulating Canada’s unique impact. They warn that the strategy may be perceived as 'preachy' or of limited relevance.
Despite these challenges, there is support for Canada playing a more prominent role, particularly as a bridge-builder among competing powers. The Indo-Pacific strategy, launched by the Liberals in late 2022 to make Canada a partner of choice for fast-growing economies, is seen as well-intentioned but somewhat generic, echoing similar frameworks already introduced by others.
As Canada prepares to open a full diplomatic mission in Fiji, with the exact timing of the high commissioner's arrival yet to be determined, these recommendations provide a roadmap for enhancing Canada's presence and influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
- The government of Canada is considering joining the Quad, a security partnership with Australia, India, Japan, and the US, as recommended by a new report, to distinguish itself from the US in the Indo-Pacific region.
- The report, published by Ipsos on behalf of Global Affairs Canada, highlights the need for stronger security collaboration, economic partnerships, and investment in regional think tanks to boost Canada's visibility in the Indo-Pacific region.
- A key area of focus in the report is expanding economic and trade ties, especially with regional hubs like ASEAN countries, India, and Japan, through concrete agreements on critical minerals and resilient supply chains.
- To address the challenge of a weak brand in the region, the report suggests that Canada invest in local think tanks, engage in regional dialogues, and demonstrate its commitment through maritime presence and joint military exercises with multiple regional partners.
- The report acknowledges concerns about Canada's continued extraction of climate-warming fossil fuels in the region, while expressing a desire for joint ventures, particularly in areas such as clean energy, agri-food, and digital technologies.
