Canadian FM discloses Indo-Pacific Strategy to Counter China
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Canada's Foreign Minister reveals that Canada will increase military expenditure and trade relations with Indo-Pacific countries in an attempt to contain growing Chinese influence.
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Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly (Reuters)
Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said on Sunday that Canada released its Indo-Pacific strategy, which aims to solidify the nation's leadership position in the area through more military expenditure and stronger commercial connections.
"Today, as we launch Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy, you will see the full picture of how Canada intends not just to engage, but to lead, in the midst of a generational global shift," Joly tweeted.
Today, as we launch Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy, you will see the full picture of how Canada intends not just to engage, but to lead, in the midst of a generational global shift. pic.twitter.com/m6nd9wE8HK
— Mélanie Joly (@melaniejoly) November 27, 2022
Bloomberg reports that Ottawa's plans to counter China and its growing influence include increasing military expenditure and enhancing commercial ties with the Indo-Pacific region.
The strategy also included extra spending plans for $1.7 billion to boost cyber security, intelligence capabilities, and military presence.
The document also portrayed China as "a disruptive global power," which Canada will counter by reducing investment, among other things. According to Reuters, Ottawa also intended to tighten restrictions on foreign investment and protect intellectual property to stop China's state-owned companies from funneling money into Canada's most important industries.
The report also recommended that Canada keep its relations with China intact in spite of the recommendations made.
According to the World Bank, China, which accounts for about 15% of all imports, is Canada's second-most significant trading partner behind the US.
Read more: China opposes restriction on Chinese mineral firms to divest in Canada
