There is no plan to counter infiltration of our institutions and democratic processes

You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account.

Prime Minister Mark Carney’s new plan to expand Chinese-Canadian ties will jeopardize, not protect, our national sovereignty. However volatile the United States may be these days, pursuing a “comprehensive strategic partnership” with Beijing as a counterbalance is myopic and reckless.

Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.

Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

The plan was announced Friday at the end a four-day trip to China — the first prime ministerial visit to the country since 2017 — wherein Carney, joined by a high-ranking delegation, strove to thaw diplomatic relations after a decade of mutual distrust.

Their efforts were rewarded with a new trade deal: 49,000 Chinese-manufactured electrical vehicles will enter Canada per year at a lowered tariff rate of 6.1 per cent (down from 100 per cent), in exchange for Beijing eliminating or reducing tariffs on certain Canadian canola products and seafood.

This newsletter tackles hot topics with boldness, verve and wit. (Subscriber-exclusive edition on Fridays)

By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.

A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.

The next issue of Platformed will soon be in your inbox.

We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again

Interested in more newsletters? Browse here.

In an accompanying joint statement, Ottawa and Beijing made it clear that this was only the beginning of a larger partnership. Positioning themselves as “strong advocates of multilateralism,” both sides committed to........

© National Post