OTTAWA — Canada and China have resumed high-level military discussions after years of strained relations, a development that has already triggered political controversy in Ottawa.
Chinese officials say representatives of the two countries held a defence co-ordination dialogue in Canada on September 4, describing the discussions as “candid” and aimed at improving communication and mutual understanding.
Canada’s Department of National Defence confirmed the meeting but stressed that it represented military-to-military communication at a functional level, not renewed defence co-operation. Ottawa says its broader China policy includes clear “guardrails,” with defence remaining an area where deeper co-operation is not being pursued.
Canada has not conducted military exercises or formal military co-operation with China’s People’s Liberation Army since 2018, when bilateral relations deteriorated sharply.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre criticized the talks, questioning why Canadians initially learned about them through Chinese sources and arguing that Ottawa should not pursue military co-operation with Beijing.
The discussions come as Prime Minister Mark Carney seeks to broaden Canada’s international relationships amid major changes in its economic and strategic relationship with the United States.