Canada and China Defense Ministers Meet for First Time in 11 Years
In a significant diplomatic move, Canadian Defence Minister Bill Blair met with his Chinese counterpart, Admiral Dong Jun, marking the first high-level defense dialogue between Canada and China in 11 years. This meeting took place during the Shangri-La Dialogue, an international security conference held in Singapore last week.
Blair emphasized the importance of open communication between the two nations, highlighting concerns about Beijing’s foreign interference, support for Russia, and recent military actions in Taiwan.
“Communication between our countries is vital and I welcome further opportunities for dialogue,” Blair stated on social media platform X.
The backdrop of the meeting includes China’s simulated blockade of Taiwan following the election of a new government in Taiwan that does not accept Beijing’s claim over the island. This topic was also discussed by U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin during his meeting with Admiral Dong.
The meeting between Blair and Dong represents a thawing of relations that have been strained for years. In recent years, Canada has participated in U.S.-led exercises in the Taiwan Strait, emphasizing freedom of navigation. However, these exercises have seen aggressive responses from China, including a close encounter between a Chinese fighter jet and a Canadian surveillance plane last October.
Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy includes sending three navy vessels to the region and increasing military cooperation with allies. “We stand ready to engage with China and with all our partners throughout the Indo-Pacific to ensure a stable and secure region,” Blair stated at the Shangri-La Dialogue.
This dialogue follows a series of high-level discussions aimed at mending bilateral ties. Earlier this year, Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly met with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, and a top Canadian military official indicated efforts to re-establish relationships with China’s defense attaché.
The strain in relations dates back to 2018, following the arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou in Vancouver and the subsequent detention of Canadians Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor by China, seen as retaliation. Diplomatic tensions remained high until their release in 2021.
Further complicating relations, allegations of Beijing’s interference in Canada’s 2019 and 2021 federal elections emerged, leading to a public inquiry. Commissioner Marie-Josee Hogue’s interim report, released in May, concluded that while there was attempted interference, it did not affect the overall election results or undermine the integrity of the electoral system.
This recent meeting between Blair and Dong signals a cautious yet hopeful step towards rebuilding trust and improving diplomatic and military communications between Canada and China amidst ongoing geopolitical challenges.
