Understand Why Chinese Army Is In Canada
The Chinese Army has been increasing its presence in Canada since the early 2000s. This has raised questions among citizens, security experts and government officials as to why the Chinese military is in Canada and what purpose it serves. To begin with, we must understand the history behind the presence of the Chinese military in Canada.
In the late 1950s, China and Canada established diplomatic relations and following this, the two countries signed a joint statement of friendship and cooperation in 1974. China began to take an interest in Canada’s military and investment potential and in the years that followed, the two countries concluded a number of cooperative agreements, including cooperation on defence procurement and military exchanges.
The first large-scale military exchange began in 2002 when the Chinese Navy sent a flotilla of ships to Canada as part of a goodwill tour. Since then, the Chinese military has continued to increase its presence in Canada, particularly in Vancouver and Halifax, where the Chinese Army has opened liaison offices and established training and exchange programs.
Chinese military presence in Canada is said to have various strategic and economic objectives. As a strategic objective, the Chinese military presence in Canada allows for closer cooperation between China and the Canadian Armed Forces. It also gives China access to Canadian military technology, which is seen as a valuable resource in an increasingly competitive global arms market.
In terms of economic objectives, Chinese military presence in Canada provides an opportunity for Chinese companies to access infrastructure and resources in the country. Additionally, it provides the Chinese military with access to the great wealth of natural resources in the Canadian Northwest.
In addition to its strategic and economic objectives, the Chinese military presence in Canada also has the potential to increase military ties with North American countries. It has been suggested by some analysts that the presence of the Chinese military in Canada could lead to increased intelligence cooperation between China, Canada and the United States.
China’s Military Spending
The Chinese military is currently the second-largest military spender in the world after the United States. According to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), it was the largest military spender in 2019, with an expenditure of $261 billion. It is estimated that Chinese military expenditure could reach $356 billion by 2030.
Given the vast resources available to the Chinese military, it is likely that it intends to use Canada as a launchpad to expand its presence in North America. Canada has been identified as a strategic location for the Chinese military due to its proximity to the United States and its access to the large natural resources in the country. The presence of the Chinese military in Canada would give China greater access to strategic resources, such as oil and gas, and provide an opportunity for the Chinese military to assert greater influence in the region.
Risk Of Chinese Military Presence In Canada
The presence of a foreign military power in a country can often create tension and conflict with the government of that country. There are a number of risks associated with the presence of the Chinese military in Canada, including the potential for increased military tensions between Canada and the United States.
It is also possible that the Chinese military could use its presence in Canada to interfere with the domestic affairs of the country. The Chinese military could use its presence in Canada to gather intelligence on the Canadian government, which could be used to weaken the power of the Canadian government.
Additionally, the presence of the Chinese military in Canada could lead to increased spying activities within the country. It is possible that the Chinese military could use its presence to gain access to sensitive military and government information.
Chinese Army In Canada – Military Exchanges
Due to the growing presence of the Chinese military in Canada, there have been concerns raised about military exchanges between the two countries. Canadian citizens have expressed concerns that these exchanges could be used to enable China to gain access to sensitive information about Canada.
As a result, the Canadian government has taken steps to ensure that military exchanges between Canada and China are subject to rigorous oversight. The Canadian government has also swiftly responded to any perceived or actual security threats posed by the Chinese military, including the shutting down of Chinese-funded military facilities and the barring of Chinese nationals from accessing military sites.
Chinese Army In Canada – Implications for the West
The presence of the Chinese military in Canada has the potential to increase tensions between the West and China, as the Chinese military has become increasingly assertive in its activities. Canadian citizens have expressed concerns that the presence of the Chinese military in Canada could be used to gain access to sensitive information and technology, and could be used as a means of exerting greater influence over the West.
The presence of the Chinese military in Canada is also seen as a challenge to the traditional power structures of the West, as it seeks to expand its influence. The presence of the Chinese military in Canada is seen as an attempt to increase its influence in the Pacific and to undermine the traditional power of the United States in the region.
The Benefits Of The Chinese Presence
Despite the risks associated with the presence of the Chinese military in Canada, it is important to remember that there are also potential benefits associated with the presence of the Chinese military in Canada.
For example, the presence of the Chinese military in Canada could lead to increased intelligence cooperation between China, Canada and the United States. This could lead to greater security and more information-sharing between North American countries and China.
Additionally, increased education and training exchanges between the two countries could lead to a better understanding of each other’s cultures and policies. This could potentially lead to more open communication between China and the West, and could help foster cooperation rather than conflict.
China’s Influence In Canada
The presence of the Chinese military in Canada has led to speculation about the influence the Chinese government could have in the country. While it is true that the Chinese military has the potential to influence Canadian policy, it is important to note that the Chinese government has taken steps to ensure that it does not interfere in the domestic politics of Canada.
The Chinese government has also been active in developing economic ties between the two countries. China is now one of Canada’s largest trading partners and economic relations between the two countries have become increasingly important.
The Chinese government has taken steps to increase its presence in the Canadian economy, such as investing in Canadian businesses and technology. This has led to concern among some Canadian citizens that the Chinese government could be using its financial clout to gain a foothold in the Canadian economy.
Views on Chinese Military Presence
The presence of the Chinese military in Canada is seen as a contentious issue by many Canadians. Some argue that the presence of the Chinese military in Canada could lead to increased security threats, while others argue that the presence of the Chinese military could lead to increased cooperation between Canada and the United States.
Experts have warned that the presence of the Chinese military in Canada could potentially lead to increased tensions between Canada and the United States. The experts have also cautioned that the presence of the Chinese military in Canada could lead to increased spying activities and interference in the domestic politics of Canada by the Chinese government.
At the same time, some experts argue that the presence of the Chinese military in Canada could lead to increased collaboration between the two countries, which could lead to more open communication and more understanding between Canada and the West.
Final Thoughts
The presence of the Chinese military in Canada has raised many concerns among Canadian citizens, security experts and government officials. While it is true that there are risks associated with the presence of the Chinese military in Canada, it is important to remember that there are also potential benefits associated with the presence of the Chinese military in Canada.
It is clear that the presence of the Chinese military in Canada is a complex issue and requires careful consideration. In the end, the decision regarding the presence of the Chinese military in Canada will ultimately come down to the Canadian government and its ability to balance the risks and benefits of allowing the Chinese military to operate in the country.
