Introduction
Role of Canada in Indo Pacific Geopolitics- Canada is a significant actor of Indo- pacific region whereas the direct infiltration of USA is not easy. Canada implemented its national interest and made a vision to enhance its relationships status between indo-pacific and Canada.[1] We have seen the past scenario that USA, France, Australia, Thailand and Canada have similar goals and visions as a align countries to the international politics. Moreover, the question has been raised due the Canada’s influence increasing in Indo- pacific that Canada Is a proxy of USA. On the contrast, it is to be noted that During Trump regime the relationships of US and Canada has hit rock bottom. Canada has its own national interest and distinct approaches to engagement in the region including cooperation and liberal trade. Canada and China have improved their connection during the last ten years, especially in the fields of trade, security, and diplomacy.[2] Canada has a geopolitical advantage that allows it to influence the Indo-Pacific region’s geopolitical environment. Although it was not given much thought even ten years ago, Canada’s foreign policy in the Indo-Pacific area is now taken extremely seriously because of the country’s active involvement and the shifting geopolitical landscape. In addition, Canada has interconnected the US align with Australia, Thailand, Japan, Republic of Korea, Philippines and Canada. Hegemonic policy of USA has not been yet in Indo- pacific extremely, so it is a tension of extreme involving of Canada in Indo – pacific region. The United States already has turbulent relations with China and India. The situation was further complicated a few months ago when a member of the US Senate’s lower house traveled to Taiwan. The US-China relationship is currently at an all-time low. Now, China is wasting time obsessing about Taiwan. In this case, things will get much more challenging for China if Canada serves as a stand-in for America. However, Canada will continue to have any
form of cooperative interaction with China, according to its foreign policy and Indo-Pacific Strategy. Canada has its own aims and purposes, while being a part of the US alliance.
Importance of Canada in Global Politics
The magnetism of the Indo-Pacific and the lure of its many beneficial opportunities is attracting nations, many of which have expressed their intentions and expectations in the form of Indo-Pacific strategies. Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy released on 27 November, 2022, joins the increasing list of such strategies, and perhaps lies to rest the question asked after AUKUS was announced as to “Why is Canada missing from the Indo-Pacific? It was therefore a natural process for Canada, which is a member of the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing arrangement, to join the Anglo sphere Indo-Pacific nations grouping consisting of Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom (UK), and the United States (US ).”[3]
Canada’s primary interest in the Indo-Pacific region is further bolstered by the fact that it is overwhelmingly dependent on Pacific-based maritime trade, freedom of navigation, and maintenance of the rules-based order of ocean governance, security, and safety of shipping. As a result, Canada was under increasing pressure to play a bigger role in the development and support for a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific or risk being locked out of the regions economic, diplomatic, and security benefits. As a North American continental nation with coastlines on three seas, Canada faces a variety of dangers, difficulties, hazards, and possibilities. In order for Ottawa to be recognized as an Indo-Pacific nation, these factors must be addressed. Role of Canada in Indo Pacific Geopolitics.
Political System of Canada
Social welfare, economic freedom, and multiculturalism-which is predicated on selective economic migration, social integration, and the repression of far-right politics-have been highlighted in Canada’s egalitarian style to governing, which enjoys broad popular and political support. Its wide range of member nations and “just society”-promoting objectives are safeguarded under the constitution.[4]The reigning sovereign’s position in Canada’s constitutional monarchy is practical and legal, but not political. The monarch has all state powers and is at the center of a system where several governmental entities working under the sovereign’s direction share combined power. Hence, the legislature is called the King-in-Parliament, the courts the King-on-the-Bench, and the executive the King-in-Council. Canada is considered by most sources to be a very stable democracy. In 2006, The Economist ranked Canada the third-most democratic nation in its Democracy Index, ahead of all other nations in the Americas and ahead of every nation more populous than itself. According to the V-Dem Democracy indices, in 2023, Canada was the 19th most electoral democratic country in the world.
Vision and values of Foreign Policy of Canada Vs. USA
Despite having many cultural and economic similarities, Canada and the US have different national identities, goals, and orientations to international relations, which are reflected in their foreign policy.
Canada’s Foreign Policy: Vision and Values:
- Middle Power Diplomacy
- Inclusivity and Diversity
- Climate Leadership
- Humanitarianism and Peacekeeping
- Multilateralism and Diplomacy
United States’ Foreign Policy: Vision and Values
- Military Power and Intervention
- Economic Interests
- Unilateralism vs. Multilateralism
- National Security and Counterterrorism
- Global Leadership and Hegemony
As a reaction to the Great Depression, the United States’ national welfare system, sometimes known as the “New Deal,” was established in the middle of the 1930s. The welfare and health systems in Canada were built more slowly and have stayed more stable since they were designed during the same time period by socialist political currents. In the last quarter of when poverty was measured as less than 50% of median income at the start of the 20th century, the United States and Canada had comparable rates.[5] Several failures have been highlight in this chapter as the immigrant problem, health care, social mobility and cultural diversity. In USA, during trumps regime, political inequality, social mobility, health issues and diplomatic relations were erode slightly as the leadership Policy of USA.[6] On the other hand, Canada is a global neutral country; promote democracy and their expression as a middle power. Canada emphasizes its ethnic values, democracy, regional engagement, domestic cooperation and the permanent improvement of Capitalist.
The fact that individuals chose not to participate in the wars of Vietnam and Iraq and it emphasis on humanitarian help are two reasons why Canada is perceived in a considerably more favorable light. Political leaders did not influence how people were perceived; regardless of whether they thought those choices were right. Furthermore, the entire history is not attributable to geopolitics. There are significant differences between US and Canadian foreign policy and objectives. It is important to note that although Canada and the rest of the Western bloc continue to have tough relations and adversaries, they have now condemned Russia. Although the US and Canada have different foreign policies, their objectives and visions are comparable as aligned nations.
World GDP Ranking of Canada, 2024
One important indicator for determining the size of a country’s economy is the World GDP Ranking 2024. This ranking sheds light on the relative economic performance and strength of nations worldwide. With a nominal GDP of $1.73 trillion, Canada rounds off the list of the world’s ten largest economies[7]. The abundance of natural resources, especially in the energy industry, supports Canada’s strong economy. Canada is a major player in the global economy and is renowned for its close commercial relations and low levels of corruption. A sizable portion of Canada’s foreign commerce is with the Indo-Pacific area. Important allies include nations like China, Japan, South Korea, India, and ASEAN members. Because of its strategic interests, economic connections, and dedication to a rules-based international order, Canada’s economy is having an increasing impact on the Indo-Pacific region. An outline of the ways that Canada’s economic influence impacts the Indo-Pacific area is provided below.
Source: World Bank, 2024
Canada Advances Democracy in the Modern World
Democracy is a governmental system. It is a societal system as well. It promotes equality and inclusivity and can help create an atmosphere that upholds fundamental liberties and human rights. Individuals have free will under this system. This includes choices that have an impact on their lives. The following are Canada’s top priorities for international development aid and foreign policy: inclusive, accountable, and democratic governance, Calm pluralism, respect for human rights and diversity[8]. Canada is promoting an inclusive approach to democracy. We want people to participate in decision-making processes and institutions that impact all areas of their lives, including: women in all their diversity; young people; vulnerable and marginalized groups; societies that are more equitable, gender equal, and inclusive; increased security and stability both nationally and internationally; and a path to prosperity. Role of Canada in Indo Pacific Geopolitics overview.
In order to promote democracy globally, Canada: creates and upholds international standards for democracy, human rights protection, and the rule of law through its involvement in international and multilateral organizations; collaborates with other democratic states to promote democracy and inclusive governance through our international assistance policies and programming; supports democracy bilaterally through our network of missions overseas; collaborates with local actors and civil society organizations; and forges meaningful and varied partnerships with state and non-state actors, including academics, the private sector, and civil society organizations[9].
Supporting and bolstering civil society Civil society organizations strengthen inclusive and gender-responsive governance, foster peaceful pluralism and democracy, hold governments accountable for better and inclusive service delivery, increase the transparency and accessibility of public and political processes, and encourage greater public and political participation, particularly of vulnerable and marginalized groups. Role of Canada in Indo Pacific Geopolitics is committed to creating an environment that is conducive to civil society engagement.
Role of Canada in Indo Pacific Geopolitics actively supports these issues in the multilateral system. At the UN Human Rights Council, Canada and the Netherlands lead on the biennial Freedom of Expression resolution, most recently in June 2022 with a particular focus on digital literacy. Furthermore, Canada promotes and advocates for media freedom through our leadership role in the Media Freedom Coalition as co-chair with the Netherlands and through our diplomatic missions. We commit to continuing to work with international partners to improve media freedom and the safety of journalists and media workers in Canada.[10] Sustainable development over the long run depends on democracy and inclusive governance. Involvement in political and public processes is crucial. It promotes the growth of inclusive, democratic, and peaceful society. Canada promotes and encourages members of marginalized and vulnerable groups to engage in their nation’s public life as managers, elected officials, employees, or voters. We support the pluralist cultures that welcome their presence. Gender-responsive democratic institutions, such as political parties, election management organizations, and legislatures, are supported in Canada. Barriers that discriminate against members of marginalized groups are eliminated. They support the full and meaningful participation of all individuals in electoral processes.[11]
Role of Canada in Indo Pacific Geopolitics is Leading Global Efforts for Positive Change
Role of Canada in Indo Pacific Geopolitics is experiencing some of the benefits of globalization that fuel economic growth. Globalization helps Canada export more of our goods; businesses that capture more value for the economy. Canada exported more than $80 billion in crude petroleum last year, along with more than $13 billion in lumber. Canada is different from USA as ideological perspectives. Canada the world richest trade country and promote democracy. Act as a leader of Sustainable development and climate security. The question of why Canada doesn’t play the role like America, despite its plenty, is a highly appropriated one. This, in my opinion, may be because Canada has never launched an aggressive war against another nation in an attempt to subjugate and rule it. Canada has never attempted to establish a colonial empire elsewhere. However, Canada cannot be said to be the only nation in the world that has never committed a transgression throughout its history. In tackling important topics like international security, human rights, and climate change, Canada has become a global leader. Its progressive policies, dedication to multilateralism, and focus on sustainability and inclusivity have made the nation a global symbol of development. The main ways that Canada is advancing the world through its initiatives and actions are listed below.[12]
Devotion to Diplomacy and Multilateralism
Canada is a strong supporter of multilateralism because it understands how crucial international collaboration is to solving common problems. It actively participates in groups like the UN, G7, and G20, supporting programs meant to combat climate change, advance human rights, and promote economic progress. Canada addresses important problems including Arctic sovereignty, environmental protection, and the welfare of Indigenous communities in Polar Regions as the Arctic Council’s leader. Its reputation as a trustworthy and beneficial international partner is enhanced by its cooperative approach to diplomacy.
Global Collaborations and Innovation
Canada’s focus on cooperation and innovation has propelled its leadership in fields including sustainable development, technology, and health. The nation is a significant contributor to international health programs, such as supporting health equity in poor countries and providing funds for vaccine distribution through Global Vaccine Alliance. Canada is a technological leader in areas like clean energy, sustainable agriculture, and artificial intelligence, and it frequently collaborates with other countries to advance these areas. Scholarships, exchange initiatives, and investments in educational facilities in underserved areas further demonstrate its dedication to education.
International Collaborations and Innovation
Role of Canada in Indo Pacific Geopolitics has been a leader in fields like technology, sustainable development, and health because of its emphasis on innovation and teamwork. The nation makes significant contributions to global health programs, such as financing vaccine distribution via the Global Vaccine Alliance and advancing health equity in underdeveloped countries. Canada is a leader in technology, frequently collaborating with other countries to advance areas like artificial intelligence, clean energy, and sustainable agriculture. Scholarships, exchange programs, and investments in educational infrastructure in underserved areas further demonstrate its dedication to education.
Human Rights and Gender Equality Advocacy
The core of Canada’s foreign and domestic policies is human rights. With a focus on gender equality and development assistance for women and girls, the nation has embraced a feminist foreign policy.[13] Additionally, it actively promotes equality globally and defends the rights of LGBTQ+ people. Canada is working to redress historical injustices, advance land claims, and preserve Indigenous cultures as part of its domestic reconciliation efforts with Indigenous peoples. Canada’s steadfast dedication to justice, equity, and dignity for all is reflected in these initiatives.
Role of Canada in Indo Pacific Geopolitics is Still a Fair Player in Global Politics
Since the late 18th century, liberalism has been a significant political movement in Canada. The policy characteristics of other liberal democracies in the Western democratic political tradition are also present in Canada. On the international front, Canada continues to be a fair participant in politics, continuously promoting equity, inclusivity, and the rule of law. Active participation in institutions like the United Nations, G7, G20, and NATO demonstrates its emphasis on multilateralism and collaboration in its foreign.[14] As a dependable mediator and partner in international affairs, Canada’s strategy is based on encouraging communication, overcoming barriers, and advocating for peaceful settlements of disputes. By supporting feminist foreign policy initiatives, advocating for the rights of underprivileged people, and participating in international agreements like the Paris Accord, Canada has established itself as a leader on problems like climate change, human rights, and global health.
Canada continues to be a fair participant in the Indo-Pacific area, promoting inclusivity, stability, and prosperity with its principled and well-rounded strategy. Canada, a country with substantial commercial and security interests in the area, actively supports the rules-based international order by highlighting the value of free and open commerce, amicable dispute settlement, and respect for national sovereignty. Its Indo-Pacific Strategy demonstrates a dedication to developing solid alliances with regional allies, including South Korea, India, Japan, and ASEAN countries, as well as to assisting with projects that promote regional security, environmental sustainability, and economic progress. By prioritizing fair results and reciprocal advantages in its regional activities, Canada also contributes positively to the advancement of human rights and development. By means of its diplomatic endeavors, business collaborations, and contributions to regional security it’s the national security. Canada is increasing its economic influence by supporting trade accords like the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and funding infrastructure initiatives that support sustainable development objectives. Canada is a diplomatic advocate of human rights and governance, supporting regional efforts to advance environmental resilience, gender equality, and Indigenous participation. Regarding security, Canada has taken an active part in marine operations and partnerships with regional partners to prevent piracy, guarantee safe commerce lanes, and support larger peacekeeping missions. Being a medium power, Canada has avoided hegemonic rivalry and remained dedicated to respecting international rules while interacting fairly and impartially in the Indo-Pacific. Canada maintains its standing as a reliable country by promoting cooperation, inclusivity, and respect for one another.
Reviewing Canada’s Alliances, Diplomacy, and Policy Choices in Light of US
1. Canada’s Goal and Objectives to Indo- Pacific Region
The Indo-Pacific is Canada’s second largest regional export market, after the United States, with annual two-way trade valued at $226 billion. The Indo-Pacific is the world’s fastest growing economic region and accounts for 65 per cent of the global population. By 2030, it will be home to two-thirds of the global middle class.10 With China’s rise, the United States’ relative fall, and the region’s altering power dynamics, the Indo-Pacific region has emerged as a crucial arena for strategic competition in recent years. North Korea is developing weapons of mass devastation on the Korean Peninsula. Japan and China, South Korea and Japan, Russia and Japan, and China and a number of Southeast Asian nations that share the South China Sea all have territorial disputes. A kinetic battle could result from tensions between China and India on the Himalayan plateau and between Taiwan and mainland China.[15]
Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, a thorough framework intended to enhance Canada’s involvement in the region, lays out its goals and objectives in the Indo-Pacific.[16] Understanding that the Indo-Pacific region is vital to global economic expansion, security, and geopolitical stability, Canada’s approach emphasizes strengthening the rules-based international order, developing stronger alliances, advancing sustainable development, and encouraging peace and security. The main aims and ambitions of Canada in the Indo-Pacific region are listed below:
- Improving Strategic and Diplomatic Collaborations
- Assisting with climate action and sustainable development
- The promotion of stability, security, and peace
- Intensifying trade and economic engagement
- Establishing connections between people
- Advancing policies that are inclusive and focused on human rights
Canada’s Indo-Pacific goals and objectives center on strengthening diplomatic, security, and economic ties with important regional allies while advancing principles like human rights, sustainability, and inclusivity. By consolidating its alliances with countries such as Japan, South Korea, India, and ASEAN, Canada hopes to diversify its economy and increase market access while promoting sustainable growth through the use of accords like the CPTPP. By promoting peaceful settlement of territorial disputes, supporting maritime security, and taking part in peacekeeping missions, Canada is dedicated to maintaining regional stability in terms of security. By funding renewable energy, disaster aid in vulnerable Indo-Pacific nations, and climate change mitigation, Canada further demonstrates its commitment to sustainable development.[17] Canada’s diplomatic goals include strengthening ties with regional groups like ASEAN and forming strategic alliances, especially.
2. Role of Canada in Indo Pacific Geopolitics Alliances
The main goal of Canada’s Indo-Pacific alliances is to strengthen ties with major regional powers, multilateral institutions, and like-minded countries in order to advance common ideals of prosperity, security, and peace. Canada’s partnerships with nations like South Korea, Japan, and India-all of which are crucial to the economic and security dynamics of the region-have become stronger. [18]These alliances prioritize regional stability, trade, technology, and defense cooperation. Canada is also an active participant in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, a trade pact that promotes closer economic relations between Canada and countries in the Indo-Pacific region.[19]As part of its Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS), Canada has forged connections with the United States, Japan, South Korea, India, and other nations in the Indo-Pacific area, with the goal of enhancing its involvement in the region through economic, security, and political ties. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, is another organization with which Canada maintains close ties in an effort to strengthen collaboration on issues of trade, governance, and security. Strongly supporting multilateralism, Canada is proud to be a member of the United Nations, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), and the East Asia Summit (EAS), where it works with regional and international partners to address urgent issues like trade, security threats, and climate change.
An in-Depth Analysis of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy
i. Maritime Power of Canada in Indo-Pacific Region
A rising understanding of the region’s significance to Canada’s economic and security interests is reflected in its new Indo-Pacific Strategy, which outlines Canada’s maritime dominance in the Indo-Pacific[20]. Despite having a smaller fleet than more powerful nations in the region, Canada has pledged to play a more active role. Through operations like Operation NEON, which imposes UN sanctions on North Korea, and multinational exercises like RIMPAC, the Royal Canadian Navy has expanded its presence in the area. Supporting a rules-based international order, safeguarding marine trade routes, and strengthening cooperation with regional allies like Australia, South Korea, and Japan are Canada’s top priorities.[21] However, Canada’s capacity to project long-term strength in the Indo-Pacific is hampered by issues like its sparse naval capabilities and conflicting domestic agendas. In order to tackle this, it depends on collaborations and multilateral interactions to increase its impact.[22] Along with tackling non-traditional marine security concerns like illicit fishing and environmental sustainability, the policy supports Canada’s worldwide leadership in advancing responsible ocean governance. Canada aims to strike a balance between its aspirations and its capabilities as it expands its alliances and presence in the Indo-Pacific, making sure that its contributions are impactful and credible in the current geopolitical environment.[23] Canada could contribute in this way, but it would need to alter its resource allocation. It contends that it would be impractical to ask Canadians to accept a significant shift from conventional defense tactics and suggests that we examine our current military strategy closely in order to identify opportunities for contributing in a way that would benefit our partners in the Indo-Pacific. However, this would mean that Canada would need to make decisions more strategically than it has in the past.
ii. Foreign Policy of Canada
Analysis of this particular speech by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, as well as a number of statements made by other high-ranking Canadian officials, preambles and summaries of various acts of parliament, and reports on completed projects and programs that are funded by Canada, will reveal references to the main national values.[24] It is common knowledge that each state’s primary goal in pursuing its foreign policy is to safeguard its borders and territory while advancing its own national interests elsewhere. Canadian foreign policy in the 19th and most of the 20th centuries was primarily concerned with national security and sovereignty. In the early years of the twenty-first century, the foreign policy was revealed. At the start of the twenty-first century, Canada’s regional foreign policy initiatives are present in nearly every region of the globe. But we must highlight a few key priorities even amid the many significant directions. According to Global Brief magazine’s publisher and editor-in-chief, Irvin Studin, Canada has a four-point game this century, and the author linked these four points to America, China, Russia, and Europe. America is once more at the southern border, China is at Canada’s western border, Russia is directly at Canada’s northern border due to the melting Arctic, and the EU is clearly at the eastern frontier, according to the author. National interest priorities for Canadian foreign policy in the twenty-first century.[25] Canadian engagement with the Indo-Pacific has a checkered history featuring some periods of great activity, but it has never been a top-tier priority, with fluctuations largely being a function of the availability of capacity rather than deliberate elevation as a high-level interest.[26] Canada, like many other liberal democracies in the West, has had difficulty putting itself in a world that is changing dramatically, with political and economic power shifting dramatically toward the Indo-Pacific area. The “Asian Century,” as some authors have called this period, is era of transition that offers both unheard-of economic possibilities and serious security issues as the US-led global order becomes more and more unstable and fractured[27]. While maintaining the liberal democratic values that have come to define the country’s identity, Canada has had to balance its efforts to develop a strong Indo-Pacific policy with the shifting geopolitical landscape of Asia.
Canada Act as a Proxy of USA
Although the two nations have many strategic priorities in common, it is evident from examining Canada’s alliances, diplomacy, and policy decisions in relation to the US that Canada frequently tries to forge its own path in areas where its interests and values differ from those of its southern neighbor[28]. The cornerstone of Canada’s foreign policy, especially in the Indo-Pacific area, is the U.S.-Canada alliance, which is based on shared economic interests through USMCA (previously NAFTA) and common defense through institutions like NATO. On security issues like cyber threats, counterterrorism, and safeguarding open and free sea lanes-particularly in the South China Sea, where both countries oppose China’s assertive maritime claims-the two countries work together. However, Canada also aims to establish its own role, especially in fields like peacekeeping, human rights, and climate change, where it frequently takes more neutral or progressive positions than the US. Canada, for instance, stands out for her feminist foreign policy and focus on sustainable development, even while it collaborates with the United States on more general global issues like nuclear non-proliferation and counterterrorism. In addition, to supporting U.S. objectives, Canada’s support for international institutions and commitment to a rules-based international order frequently calls for delicate diplomacy to balance conflicting interests, particularly in light of the escalating tensions between the U.S. and China. Ultimately, Canada’s Indo-Pacific relationships and policy decisions demonstrate a dedication to maintaining common democratic principles while negotiating the challenges of engagement. Additionally, Canada emphasizes diplomacy and conflict resolution in its humanitarian aid and peacekeeping efforts, positioning itself as a mediator and peacemaker. This occasionally puts it at odds with U.S. strategies that priorities economic penalties or military actions. Canada frequently demonstrates its dedication to soft power and multilateral initiatives in the Indo-Pacific by its participation in UN peacekeeping missions and foreign aid initiatives, even when those initiatives may not entirely coincide with U.S. policies.[29] This difference in strategy reflects Canada’s wish to keep its own voice on the international scene and frequently, when needed, act as a check on U.S. activities without severing its long-standing relationship with the United States.
According to Mostakim Bin Motaher, Associate Professor of International Politics, Jahangirnagor University, “Canada is not act as a Proxy of USA because, there is tension between aligned countries. Though US strategy in Indo- pacific region similar to Canada’s strategy. US align countries vision are similar but they have own strategy and national interest. America and Canada have long been bilateral partners. When one of these allied nations makes a choice, it is evident that the other nations follow suit. Japan, Canada, and Australia are always in line with America’s grand agenda. In this instance, Canada can be considered a stand-in for the United States. However, given the hostility that exists between America and Canada right now, we will not refer to Canada as a proxy. America and Canada ties were poor even under the Trump administration. The US’s relationship with its allies is not as pleasant as it once was. Under such circumstances, it may be argued that every nation in the Indo-Pacific area has a unique approach.” America’s alliances have been experiencing a political crisis under Donald Trump. Presumably, they will no longer be reliant on one another. Previously, Canada and Australia mindlessly adopted America’s approach. However, that is no longer the case, and Canada is pursuing its own plan by strengthening its bilateral ties with the Indo-Pacific area. Currently, Canada will move forward with its own policies. For example, it can be said that Canada’s refugee policy and America’s refugee policy are not the same. That is why it will come from investment to geopolitics.
Challenges for Canada in Indo- Pacific Region
Canada’s policymaking in the Indo-Pacific region will need to be cautious if it is to increase its influence. Almost all small and medium-sized countries in the Indo-Pacific region are facing problems with non-traditional security crisis.[30]Canada and beyond are no exception. However, there are some obstacles in this region, which if overcome, will increase its influence. Below are non – traditional security challenges:
- Climate Change
- Cyber security
- Disinformation,
- Defense challenges
Given the Indo-Pacific region’s increasing geopolitical, economic, and security significance, Canada faces a number of difficulties. The main difficulties are listed below:
Geopolitical Challenges in Indo–Pacific Region
1. The Assertiveness of China
Canada supports rules-based international standards and regional peace, but China’s economic and military expansion in the South China Sea, Taiwan Strait, and elsewhere threatens both. In order to establish control over crucial maritime lanes, China has converted contested reefs and atolls into man-made islands equipped with missile systems, airstrips, and military bases.[31] China’s readiness to assert its claims is shown by frequent military drills in delicate regions like the East China Sea and the Taiwan Strait.
2. U.S-China Rivalry
As tensions rise, Canada must manage its ties with both China, a significant trading partner, and the United States, a close ally. The Indo-Pacific rivalry between the United States and China is a defining geopolitical dynamic that includes ideological disagreements, military posture, and economic competition. China wants to become a major regional power, frequently defying the rules-based international order that the United States attempts to maintain by focusing on freedom of navigation, democratic governance, and regional stability.[32] In the economy, both countries compete for sway through investments, trade agreements, and technical advancements; China uses programs like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the U.S.
3. Regional Conflicts
Trade routes and regional security are impacted by territorial conflicts, such as those in the South China Sea and East China Sea, which cause instability. The major regional conflict, are given below which are the responsible for indo- pacific disengagement:
- East China Sea Disputes
- Korean Peninsula Conflict
- India-China Border Disputes
- Taiwan Strait Tensions
- South China Sea Disputes
- Maritime Security Challenges
- Afghanistan’s Instability
The first is great-power contestation—not just between China and the United States, but increasingly others. [33]Russia’s border with Canada stretches not just across the Arctic but the northern reaches of the Indo-Pacific as well. Tension and contestation are manifesting in clashes in the South China Sea, the East China Sea, the Korean peninsula, the Himalayan Mountains, at home online and in fractured social settings, and yet again among the strategic waterways of the Middle East.
The Impact of the Indo-Pacific on Canada’s Economic Strategy
Canada would surely face repercussions from China if it decided to adopt the United States’ foreign strategy in the Indo-Pacific. Ottawa may lessen the impact by strengthening its military, political, economic, and cultural ties with other Asian countries, particularly those who are worried about China’s expanding power in the area. India and Japan, both participants in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, are two obvious options[34]. Japan-Canada Economic, diplomatic, and cultural links serve as the foundation for these relationships, which are strengthened by shared values like as democracy, human rights, and involvement in multilateral organizations. Canada and Japan both gain from a rules-based international system as middle powers.
With $29.6 billion in Japanese foreign direct investment in Canada, Japanese affiliates and companies made a substantial economic contribution in 2017. These investments, which covered a wide range of industries, demonstrate Japan’s varied economic involvement with Canada. However, in the same year, Canadian investments in Japan totaled $4.7 billion, demonstrating the mutually beneficial nature of their economic relations. With a GDP of $6.4 trillion and a population of 126 million, Japan has the third-largest economy in the world. Japan ranks second in Asia after China, is Canada’s fourth-largest trading partner, and is the region’s biggest source of bilateral foreign direct investment. About 450 Japanese affiliates and subsidiaries with operations in Canada accounted for $29.6 billion of Japanese foreign direct investment in Canada in 2017. In 2017, Canada invested $4.7 billion in Japan[35]. In 2018, Canada exported $12.9 billion worth of commodities to Japan, while Japan’s imports were increasing. An example of the wider significance of bilateral and regional trade and investment is the economic connection between Canada and Japan. It also draws attention to the potential for additional cooperation in fields like innovation, technology, and sustainable development, guaranteeing that both countries will continue to gain from their close economic relations.
Canada trade with China, Japan, India, South Korea, & ASEAN- 2019
| Country | GDP in Billion USD | Canadian Exports to, in Billion USD | Imports to Canada from, in Billion USD |
| China | 14343 | 17.5 | 58.3 |
| Japan | 5082 | 9.4 | 13.0 |
| South Korea | 1642 | 4.1 | 7.3 |
| India | 2875 | 3.6 | 4.0 |
| ASEAN | 3172 | 5.5 | 13.9 |
Source: World Bank, 2019
Conclusion
Canada faces perhaps its most important foreign policy decision in the twenty-first century – how to respond to the emerging consensus among both Republicans and Democrats in the United States to confront China as an adversary, encapsulated in the Trump administration’s conception of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.A delicate balance between being an independent actor and siding with larger coalitions is reflected in Canada’s participation in Indo-Pacific geopolitics. Although Canada’s foreign policy frequently follows that of its Western allies, such as the US, NATO, and the G7, it has shown an increasing desire to establish an own identity in the Indo-Pacific. But Canada’s geopolitical position is influenced by outside factors, such as its strong ties to the United States, dependence on alliance security arrangements, and common worries about China’s ambition. Because of this duality, Canada is positioned to be both a cooperative participant in larger strategic initiatives and a sovereign player that can put its own political and economic interests first.
[1] Adam MacDonald, Dalhousie University, Political Science, 6299 South Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4R2, Canada
[2] Adam MacDonald.”Developing a Canadian Indo-Pacific geopolitical orientation”,International Journal 2021, Vol. 76(4) 564–593
[3] Captain Sarabjit S Parmar,”Canada’s Indo- pacific strategy: Crossing the North pacific, 17th January. 2023
[4] Rand Dyck (2011). Canadian Politics Cengage Learning. p.88. Archived from the original on April 12, 2016
[5] Louis Bélanger.” Redefining Cultural Diplomacy: Cultural Security and Foreign Policy in Canada” Political Psychology, Vol. 20, No. 4
[6] Igor Denisov, Oleg Paramonov, Ekaterina Arapova and Ivan Safranchuk.”Russia, China, and the concept of
Indo-Pacific”, Journal of Eurasian Studies. p.74
[7] Gurpreet S. Khurana.” The Indo- Pacific Idea : Origins, Conceptualizations and the Way Ahead “, Journal of Indian Ocean Rim Studies, October-December 2019, P. 7
[8] David B. MacDonald.” Reconcialiation After Genoside in Canada “, Associate Professor of Political Science, The University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada. P.4
[9] Kathy Bicmore. “citizenship education in Canada: ‘Democratic’ Engagement with Differences, Conflicts, and Equity issues?”, Citizenship Teaching & Learning, Volume 9 Number 3. P.258
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