Canada's PM Carney declares China as foremost national security threat:

Canadian PM cites foreign interference, Arctic ambitions, and China's alliance with Russia as key concerns

Listen to article

Prime Minister Mark Carney has named China as Canada's foremost national security threat, citing foreign interference, Arctic ambitions, and its alliance with Russia as key concerns.

Speaking during a televised debate ahead of the April 28 federal election, Carney responded bluntly when asked to identify Canada's greatest geopolitical threat: "China."

At a campaign stop in Niagara Falls on Friday, Carney expanded on his remarks, warning that Chinese interference threatens Canadian democracy.

He also criticised Beijing for aligning with Russia in the war on Ukraine and for increasing tensions in Asia, especially around Taiwan.

"China is the biggest threat from a geopolitical sense. We're taking action to address it," Carney said.

The Chinese embassy in Ottawa has not yet commented on the statements.

Carney's Liberal Party is currently leading in opinion polls as the election campaign nears its final stretch.

Canada is also facing economic pressure from a trade dispute with the United States, a longstanding ally.

Ottawa has imposed retaliatory tariffs after Washington placed duties on Canadian autos, aluminum, and steel. Carney said Canada would not mirror US tariffs dollar-for-dollar but emphasized that global trade dynamics are shifting.

"The level of shared values with the US is changing, and so will our engagement," he said.

Looking beyond North America, Carney pointed to new trade opportunities in Europe, ASEAN, and South America’s Mercosur bloc.

"There are huge opportunities globally where we can deepen engagement," he said.

The remarks highlight a shift in Canada’s foreign policy focus, balancing traditional alliances with broader global partnerships amid rising geopolitical tension.