Canada, China and Covid-19: Threat or Opportunity?

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Canada, China and Covid-19: Threat or Opportunity? – Webinar with Hugh Stephens and Margaret McCuaig- Johnston

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Canada’s relations with China have been strained for some time – even before COVID. First came the arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou. China then seemingly retaliated by arresting Canadians Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor for alleged national security offences. Next came China’s blocking of some Canadian agriculture exports. Things will only heat up more if Canada’s bans Huawei in our 5G rollout.

The COVID pandemic has added to the stresses. However, unlike the United States, which has engaged in widespread criticism of China for its role in the spread of the coronavirus, Canada has taken a more “diplomatic” stance, refraining from openly blaming China and even sending medical supplies to China early in the pandemic.

Does the more nuanced Canadian response lay the groundwork for an improvement in Canada-China relations? Will public perceptions of the way China has dealt with the pandemic fundamentally alter for the worse the future basis for Canada-China relations?

Join Hugh Stephens and Margaret McCuaig-Johnston as they discuss the Canada-China relations.