Beijing Exploits Economic Pact to Penetrate Ottawa, Split USCanada, Analysts Say

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney makes his way to hold a press conference in Ritan Park in Beijing, China, on Jan. 16, 2026. The Canadian Press/Sean KilpatrickCanadian Prime Minister Mark Carney concluded a four-day visit to China on Jan. 17 with a provisional agreement, but analysts warn the move empowers Beijing to discipline Ottawa if ties sour and it threatens the country’s national security.Canada announced a “new strategic partnership” with China following Carney’s meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing on Jan. 16, marking the first visit by a Canadian prime minister since 2017.