Foreign Affairs Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne told the House of Commons Canada-China relations committee yesterday that a strong-man approach to China could have adverse effects.
"China can be a key player on the world stage in the fight against climate change, COVID-19, or to ensure the stability of financial markets, and global economic development," said Champagne.
"We see a country and a leadership that is willing to throw its weight around to advance its interests. This includes the use of coercive diplomacy like the arbitrary detentions of Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor."
"I know, Mr. Chair, that some like to talk tough on China," Champagne said.
"To those who are seduced by this one-dimensional view, I say this: while it is easy to be tough, let's continue to be smart. Let's not fall into the temptation of tough and irresponsible rhetoric that will generate no tangible result for Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, our farmers and entrepreneurs, and human rights victims and advocates."
Champagne said that Canada will work with China while being "guided" by Canadian interests, also calling China's coercive diplomacy tactics "unacceptable."
Spavor and Kovrig (which have been referred to simply as Canada's "two Michaels") have remained arbitrarily detained in China for nearly two years, a move that many accept was in retaliation to the arrest of Meng Wanzhou in December 2018.
Sectors of Canada's economy have been impacted by the arrest, too, including Canada's pork, fish, and canola industries, among others.
Champagne's statements came only a week after the House of Commons passed a Conservative motion forcing the Trudeau Liberals to make a decision on whether or not Canada will allow Huawei technology in the construction of Canada's 5G network.
Canada remains the only Five Eyes country (United States, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Australia, and Canada) to not yet reject Huawei's bid to be a part of their 5G network.
Champagne said that action would be taken, though not necessarily within the 30 day timeframe that the Conservative motion calls for.
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