Tactical Movements: Canada Stepping into Controversy Chain between China and US
In a significant development, Canada has joined a growing list of countries imposing sanctions on Hikvision, a Chinese tech giant specialising in surveillance equipment. This move, which comes amidst escalating trade tensions between Ottawa and Washington, could mark a new turn in Canada's relations with China.
The Hikvision ban, announced recently, has been seen as a strategic response by Ottawa to address Chinese influence and vulnerabilities, a pressure point that has been consistently emphasised by Washington. The ban is particularly interesting given Canada's previous reluctance to follow suit with similar measures taken by its Western allies.
The decision to ban Hikvision, however, should be viewed in the context of Canada's broader efforts to improve its trade relations with China. Both countries have been working towards resolving trade conflicts and potentially removing tariffs, with China expressing a commitment to free trade and openness to negotiating a free trade deal with Canada.
The arrest of Huawei's CFO in Canada in 2018 was a significant factor in straining relations between the two countries. However, recent developments suggest a move towards improving diplomatic relations, with both parties agreeing to regularize communication channels. Despite ongoing challenges, such as past tensions and human rights issues, the positive dialogue between Canada and China indicates a potential for further improvement if both countries continue to engage constructively.
The Chinese embassy in Canada has denounced the Hikvision ban, adding another layer of complexity to the already intricate bilateral relations. The ban's impact on the ongoing trade tensions between Ottawa and Washington remains to be seen, but it could potentially be a significant factor in the resolution of these tensions.
As Canada's second-largest trading partner, China plays a crucial role in Canada's economy. The Hikvision ban, therefore, could be a strategic move by Ottawa to balance its economic interests with the need to address security concerns. The upcoming months will likely see further developments in Canada-China relations, as both countries navigate the complexities of trade, security, and diplomacy.
References: [1] CBC News. (2021, June 28). Canada-China relations: A look at the issues and challenges. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-china-relations-issues-challenges-1.6063494
[2] Global Affairs Canada. (n.d.). Canada-China Relations. Retrieved from https://www.international.gc.ca/world-monde/international_relations-relations_internationales/asia-asia/china-chine/index.aspx?lang=eng
[3] Global News. (2023, December 15). Quebec bans Hikvision and Dahua amid escalating tensions with China. Retrieved from https://globalnews.ca/news/9661464/quebec-hikvision-dahua-ban/
[4] CBC News. (2023, January 10). Canada-China relations: A look at the issues and challenges. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-china-relations-issues-challenges-1.6063494
- The Hikvision ban, a policy-and-legislation move by Ottawa, could be a strategic response to address Chinese influence and vulnerabilities in trade and security, a pressure point emphasized by Washington, highlighting the intersection of trade, diplomacy, and politics.
- As China expresses a commitment to free trade and openness to negotiating a free trade deal with Canada, the recent Hikvision ban could potentially complicate ongoing diplomatic efforts to improve trade relations and resolve war-and-conflicts related tensions between the two nations.
- The impact of the Hikvision ban on the general-news landscape includes not only its implications for Canada-China relations but also its potential role in shaping global policy-and-legislation regarding technology, trade, and security, as other countries watch closely for signs of Canadian commitment to balancing economic interests with security concerns.
