Poll Shows Growing Canadian Preference for China Over United States
A recent Pew Research Center survey of 1,020 Canadians conducted between February 8 and May 13 found that 44 percent of respondents held a positive view of China, compared with 33 percent who viewed the United States favorably. The poll also noted that Canadians’ attitudes toward the two countries were equal the previous year.
Survey Scope and International Context
The same survey examined views across 36 countries, concluding that China is now regarded more favorably than the United States in the majority of those nations. During the first two years of President Donald Trump’s second term, confidence in Chinese President Xi Jinping increased, while confidence in Trump declined, according to the study.
Human Rights Concerns and Diplomatic Tensions
Uyghur Situation in Xinjiang
Canada has long participated in international criticism of China’s treatment of the Uyghur minority in Xinjiang. Approximately 12 million Uyghurs reside in the region, and a 2018 United Nations estimate suggested that up to one million were detained in what the UN described as “vast internment camps shrouded in secrecy.”
Sanctions and Detained Canadians
In March 2021, Canada imposed sanctions on four Chinese officials and a company, asserting that the measures addressed “serious and systematic human rights violations.” The diplomatic strain deepened when China detained Canadians Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig for nearly three years; at the time of their release, 115 Canadians remained imprisoned in China, according to Global Affairs Canada.
Recent Executions and Ongoing Legal Cases
Execution of Canadian Citizens
China carried out the executions of four Canadian nationals in early 2025, claiming they were dual citizens prosecuted for drug offenses. The Canadian government strongly condemned the executions, and Prime Minister Mark Carney, who took office in 2024, has since pursued outreach to Beijing to improve relations.
Robert Schellenberg’s Case
Robert Schellenberg, a British‑Columbia resident, has been on death row in China since 2019. The federal government reiterated its strong condemnation of the death sentence.
Trade and Diplomatic Engagement Under Prime Minister Carney
First Prime Ministerial Visit in Eight Years
Prime Minister Mark Carney’s January visit to China marked the first by a Canadian premier in eight years. The trip focused on trade, energy, agriculture and international security, and resulted in an interim trade agreement: China agreed to reduce or eliminate tariffs on Canadian agricultural products, while Canada agreed to lower tariffs on selected Chinese electric vehicles.
High‑Level Official Visits
Foreign Minister Wang Yi traveled to Ottawa in June, meeting with Carney and emphasizing the significance of the bilateral economic relationship. Anand, Canada’s foreign minister, stated the goal of increasing Canadian exports to China by 50 percent by 2030, while safeguarding economic and national security interests and values.
