Canada-China Relations in the Post-Cold War Era (1990-2020)

Dr. Faisal Odeh Al-Rfouh

Abstract

 

Abstrac

Canada and China have shared a close relationship in the Post-Cold War Era. However, this relationship was marked by existing ebbs and flows throughout the period. While economics strengthens the bilateral ties, politics proved to be an encumbrance at the bilateral, regional, and global levels. Undoubtedly, professing opposing political systems of governance and socio-cultural divergence and geography continue to keep the two countries apart.

However, China’s quest for raw materials, state-of-the-art technology, raw materials, and technical expertise, which constitute indispensable components of China’s modernization programmes launched since the late 1970s, makes Canada a relatable partner capable of meeting Chinese requirements to a great extent. At the same time, China's booming economy and vast market for Canadian products make China a lucrative destination for investment and export of Canadian products. Since Canadian foreign policy is closely aligned with western notions of liberalism, democracy and human rights, which differentiates it from the authoritarian communist regime in China, both countries have to walk the diplomatic tightrope often to broaden their ties geoeconomics often trumps geopolitics in this endeavour.

Similarly, the United States continues to be a crucial external factor in this bilateral equation, and the ongoing stress in US-China relations is likely to impact Canada's political relations with China. Therefore, an assessment of the Canada-China relations is essential in this changing global context. Through the contours of this study, an attempt is made to assess Canada's changing nature and China's bilateral relationship in the Post-Cold War Era.

The study will begin with a broad discussion of the issue at hand. The study's proposed area will be discussed, along with the methodology to be adopted and the theoretical framework that will provide a proper structure to the study.