As Canada heads toward its April 28 general election, Prime Minister Mark Carney has identified China as the country’s most significant security threat, both in terms of foreign interference and geopolitical maneuvering in the Arctic.

During a televised leaders’ debate on Thursday night, Carney responded with a single word—"China"—when asked to name the greatest threat facing Canada's national security. He doubled down on the assertion at a news conference in Niagara Falls on Friday, stating, “We’re taking action to address” the growing influence and interference by Beijing.

Carney criticized China’s increasing alignment with Russia, especially amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and voiced concern over China's aggressive posture in the Asia-Pacific, particularly toward Taiwan. “China represents the biggest threat from a geopolitical sense,” he warned.

The Chinese embassy in Ottawa has not responded to Carney’s remarks.

Carney’s Liberal Party remains in the lead as the campaign approaches its final stretch. His comments signal a hardening of Canada’s foreign policy stance, particularly as global alliances are being tested.

Canada is also navigating tense economic waters, engaged in a trade dispute with the United States—its long-standing ally. In response to American tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, and auto exports, Canada has imposed retaliatory measures. However, Carney emphasized that the Canadian response would be measured. “We won’t mirror the U.S. dollar for dollar,” he noted, “but we must acknowledge that the global trading system is being reordered.”

Looking forward, Carney stressed the importance of diversifying Canada’s economic and diplomatic engagements. “There are massive opportunities in Europe, ASEAN, Mercosur, and beyond. We must and will deepen those ties.”

As geopolitical dynamics shift, Canada appears poised to rethink its global partnerships.

As Canada heads toward its April 28 general election, Prime Minister Mark Carney has identified China as the country’s most significant security threat, both in terms of foreign interference and geopolitical maneuvering in the Arctic.

During a televised leaders’ debate on Thursday night, Carney responded with a single word—"China"—when asked to name the greatest threat facing Canada's national security. He doubled down on the assertion at a news conference in Niagara Falls on Friday, stating, “We’re taking action to address” the growing influence and interference by Beijing.

Carney criticized China’s increasing alignment with Russia, especially amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and voiced concern over China's aggressive posture in the Asia-Pacific, particularly toward Taiwan. “China represents the biggest threat from a geopolitical sense,” he warned.

The Chinese embassy in Ottawa has not responded to Carney’s remarks.

Carney’s Liberal Party remains in the lead as the campaign approaches its final stretch. His comments signal a hardening of Canada’s foreign policy stance, particularly as global alliances are being tested.

Canada is also navigating tense economic waters, engaged in a trade dispute with the United States—its long-standing ally. In response to American tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, and auto exports, Canada has imposed retaliatory measures. However, Carney emphasized that the Canadian response would be measured. “We won’t mirror the U.S. dollar for dollar,” he noted, “but we must acknowledge that the global trading system is being reordered.”

Looking forward, Carney stressed the importance of diversifying Canada’s economic and diplomatic engagements. “There are massive opportunities in Europe, ASEAN, Mercosur, and beyond. We must and will deepen those ties.”

As geopolitical dynamics shift, Canada appears poised to rethink its global partnerships.