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Carney’s China shift: from foe to friend?

Adrienne Batra
Editor in Chief/Toronto Sun



Source
date
FORMAT
Toronto Sun
Sep 11, 2026
Video
topics
National Security & Geopolitics
Western Values & Democratic Norms
Context
In this Toronto Sun discussion, Editor-in-Chief Adrienne Batra and columnists Brian Lilley and Lorrie Goldstein examine Prime Minister Mark Carney’s abrupt change in policy toward China. Before the election, Carney described China as Canada’s greatest security threat; his government now presents the Chinese Communist regime as a strategic partner. The panel points to military-cooperation talks disclosed through Chinese state media, an undisclosed policing arrangement, expanded trade ties, and Dominic Barton’s appointment to lead Invest Canada. They argue that this reversal has proceeded without parliamentary debate or a clear explanation to Canadians, despite Beijing’s record of election interference, espionage, hostage diplomacy, propaganda, and economic coercion.
Key Insight
The panel’s central warning is that Canada is not simply expanding trade with China; it is redefining its relationship with an authoritarian communist state behind closed doors. Without disclosure of the defence and policing arrangements or an explanation of Carney’s reversal, Canadians cannot assess what risks, safeguards, or concessions are involved.
Implications For Canadians
For Canadians, this policy shift could affect national security, democratic institutions, industrial capacity, intellectual property, food exports, and Canada’s sovereignty. Greater dependence on Beijing could give the Chinese Communist Party additional leverage over Canadian decisions and industries, while secrecy prevents Parliament and the public from determining whether short-term trade gains are compromising long-term security.
Related Topics

Carney’s China shift: from foe to friend?
Adrienne Batra
Sep 11, 2026
Toronto Sun
National Security & Geopolitics
Western Values & Democratic Norms
In this Toronto Sun discussion, Editor-in-Chief Adrienne Batra and columnists Brian Lilley and Lorrie Goldstein examine Prime Minister Mark Carney’s abrupt change in policy toward China. Before the election, Carney described China as Canada’s greatest security threat; his government now presents the Chinese Communist regime as a strategic partner.

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