Dennis Molinaro argues that Canada's historical reliance on trade with China has consistently failed to yield positive results, and warns against repeating the cycle.
In his article, Dennis Molinaro critiques Canada's ongoing strategy of diversifying trade through engagement with China, highlighting a historical pattern of failures dating back to the 1970s. He references his own book which details how Canada's attempts to remedy trade issues by relying on a country with a history of foreign interference and espionage have been misguided. Instead of partnering with like-minded democracies, Canada has repeatedly turned to China during economic downturns, showcasing a lack of learning from past mistakes.
Molinaro notes that the reliance on China is not a new phenomenon but rather a recurring theme in Canadian trade policy, driven by the desire to respond to economic pressures, particularly those stemming from relationships with the United States. He emphasizes that the economic relationship with China, characterized by espionage and interference, poses significant risks that outweigh potential benefits. The author suggests that Ottawa's current trajectory of seeking economic remedy from China echoes similar misjudgments made in previous decades.
In conclusion, the piece serves as a warning to Canadian policymakers about the dangers of their trade strategy. Molinaro urges for a reconsideration of trade partnerships, advocating for a pivot towards collaboration with democratic nations that share values and interests with Canada, rather than continuing to engage with a state exhibiting hostile actions against Canada's sovereignty. This call for reflection is crucial in shaping Canada’s economic future and aligning its trade policies with its democratic principles.
