China And Canada: Potential Allies Against US Hegemony?

Henrik Larsen

5 min read

Post on Apr 25, 2025

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Shared Concerns Regarding US Trade Policies

Both Canada and China have faced significant economic challenges due to US trade protectionism, creating a shared interest in mitigating the effects of US hegemony. This convergence of economic anxieties could form the bedrock of a potential alliance.

Impact of US Tariffs and Trade Disputes

The US has imposed substantial tariffs on various goods from both Canada and China, disrupting established trade flows and harming businesses in both countries.

• Canada: The US imposed tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber, triggering prolonged trade disputes. These tariffs significantly impacted Canada's forestry sector and broader economy.
• China: The US initiated a trade war with China, imposing tariffs on a wide range of Chinese goods, leading to retaliatory measures and a significant disruption in global trade. This impacted everything from agricultural products to manufactured goods.
• United Front: The shared experience of these trade disputes could foster a united front against what both nations perceive as unfair US trade practices. A collaborative strategy could involve jointly lobbying international trade organizations and exploring alternative trade routes to minimize reliance on US markets. Data from the WTO clearly indicates the negative impact of these tariffs on global trade.

Concerns over US Sanctions and Economic Coercion

Both Canada and China have experienced economic pressure from US sanctions and coercive diplomatic tactics.

• Canada: The arrest of Meng Wanzhou, CFO of Huawei, on a US extradition request, severely strained relations between Canada and China, highlighting the vulnerability of both nations to US political pressure.
• China: The US has imposed sanctions on numerous Chinese companies and individuals, restricting their access to US markets and technologies. This economic coercion undermines China's economic growth and technological advancement.
• Mutual Support: The shared experience of facing US economic coercion could incentivize mutual support and cooperation in navigating such pressures. This might involve developing alternative financial systems and technological solutions to reduce dependence on the US dollar and US-dominated technology.

Convergence of Interests in Multilateralism and Global Governance

Beyond economic concerns, both China and Canada share a commitment to multilateralism and reforming global governance institutions to create a more equitable and multipolar world. This ideological alignment further strengthens the potential for an alliance.

Support for Reform of International Institutions

Both countries advocate for reforms within international institutions like the World Trade Organization (WTO) to address perceived imbalances and promote fairer trade practices.

• WTO Reform: Both Canada and China support strengthening the WTO's dispute settlement mechanism and addressing the challenges posed by unilateral trade actions.
• Collaboration in International Forums: Both nations actively participate in international forums like the G20 and the UN, often aligning on issues related to global governance, trade liberalization, and international law.

Commitment to Climate Change Action

Both Canada and China are committed to addressing climate change and have expressed a willingness to collaborate on green technologies and climate initiatives.

• Green Technology Cooperation: Both countries possess expertise in renewable energy technologies, creating potential for mutually beneficial collaborations in research, development, and deployment.
• Economic Benefits: Cooperation in renewable energy could generate significant economic benefits for both countries, stimulating job creation and technological innovation.

Challenges and Obstacles to a China-Canada Alliance

Despite shared concerns, significant challenges and obstacles stand in the way of a formal China-Canada alliance against US hegemony.

Differing Ideological and Political Systems

The fundamental differences in their political systems and human rights records present a major hurdle.

• Ideological Differences: Canada is a liberal democracy with a strong emphasis on human rights, while China is a one-party state with a different human rights record.
• Potential Compromises: However, cooperation on specific areas of mutual interest could be possible even with these differences, demonstrating that a functional alliance isn't necessarily contingent on complete ideological harmony.

Influence of Domestic Politics and Public Opinion

Internal political pressures and public opinion in both countries could significantly affect the feasibility of an alliance.

• Domestic Opposition: Within both countries, there may be significant opposition to closer ties with the other, based on differing political ideologies and historical perceptions.
• Public Perception: Public opinion in both Canada and China regarding each other needs careful consideration. Strategic communication will be key to fostering a positive public narrative around any potential partnership.

Potential Benefits and Implications of a China-Canada Alliance

Despite the challenges, a strengthened China-Canada partnership holds significant potential benefits and geopolitical implications.

Economic Advantages

Increased trade, investment, and technological cooperation could lead to substantial economic advantages for both nations.

• Trade Diversification: A closer relationship could create new trade routes and opportunities, reducing dependence on US markets.
• Investment Flows: Increased investment flows between the two countries could stimulate economic growth and job creation.

Geopolitical Implications

A strengthened China-Canada partnership could significantly alter the global power balance and reshape international relations.

• Counterweight to US Influence: A closer relationship could provide a powerful counterweight to US influence in various international forums and regions.
• Shifts in Global Alliances: The formation of such an alliance would inevitably force other nations to reassess their alliances and partnerships.

Conclusion

The possibility of a China-Canada alliance against US hegemony remains a complex yet intriguing scenario. While significant challenges exist, stemming from differing political systems and domestic pressures, the shared concerns over US trade policies and a convergence of interests in multilateralism and climate action create a foundation for potential cooperation. The economic advantages and geopolitical implications of such a partnership are substantial and warrant further investigation. Continued analysis of the evolving relationship between these two nations is crucial for understanding the future of global power dynamics and the potential for a significant shift in the global balance of power, a strategic partnership that could fundamentally alter the landscape of international relations. Further research into the potential for a China-Canada alliance against US hegemony is vital.