Burton: How should Canada deal with authoritarian dictators?
Canada had a notably large delegation attend China’s National Day celebrations in
Ottawa last month, including Jennifer May, Canada’s ambassador to China. At one
point, Canada’s Deputy-Minister of Foreign Affairs David Morrison, responded to
remarks from Wang Di, the Chinese ambassador to Canada, effusing that, “This is
an excellent time to reflect on the remarkable journey China has undertaken.
China’s rich cultural heritage, its impressive achievements in development,
innovation and global engagement and the resilience and spirit of the Chinese.”
“The warm words of the ambassador tonight have echoed those of Prime Minister
Carney who has made very clear that his desire to recalibrate Canada-China
relations, and to advance our bilateral ties in a pragmatic and constructive manner.”
In contrast, the Chinese ambassador’s tone was menacing.
“Whenever both sides stick to the principle of right perception, mutual respect,
seeking common ground while putting aside differences and the mutual benefit,
the bilateral relations will move forward smooth and achieve fruitful outcomes,”
said Wang. “Whenever the preceding code is not followed, the bilateral
relations will take a blow or even derail.”
“Seeking common ground while putting aside difference” is Beijing’s standard code
for “we’ll do this our way.” In other words, if Canada wants access to China’s vast
markets, there will be silence around such topics as human rights, the Uyghur
genocide, interference in Canadian democracy, suppression of dissent in Hong
Kong, military threats to Taiwan, expansionist claims in the South China Sea and so
on.
At the Ottawa event, the message had already been heard loud and clear. When
Morrison referenced Carney’s desire to advance bilateral ties “in a pragmatic and
constructive manner,” the phrase “pragmatic and constructive” is the exact wording
that Chinese state media use when urging pro-China foreign policies from Western
nations. Morrison indicated that Canada is prepared to accept the Chinese
requirement that we “put aside differences.”
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