Global order,US–China relations,and Chinese behaviour: The ground is shifting,Canada must adjust

Abstract

Three profound shifts are coming to a head in the twenty-first century: shifts in the global order, shifts in the US–China relationship, and shifts in Chinese behaviour. These shifts are compelling Canada to reframe its relations with China. First, at the global level, the changing balance of power is leading us toward an era of polycentric global governance. Second, there is deepening antagonism in US–China relations. Third, China’s international posture has become more assertive. Canada has yet to adjust, but it is well placed to develop a global worldview in sync with twenty-first century realities. The Canada–China relationship needs to be transformed into an adaptive, modular, and strategic relationship, in our dealings with China at the global level, in triangulating our relationships with the US and China, and within the confines of our bilateral relationship. This paper tackles each area in turn.