China complains about unfair economic pressure from the US. On the other hand, Beijing widely employs similar tools towards other partners. Diplomatic strain between China and Canada has been going on for half a year. Oddly enough, Beijing stands against economic sanctions as political penalizing measures but at the same time, it follows the policy of double standards. In late 2018, Beijing started a crackdown on Canada’s imports. China’s first move was to slash imports of Canada’s agricultural produce. However, when other categories of cargo are still delivered to China’s ports, they go through a strict inspection at the customs.
“I cannot say that I unavoidably have a sense of hopefulness since we are at an impasse. It is a difficult moment. And of course we’re concerned with the spectra of other products being either delayed at the border or in some way taken out of the trading relationship. This is a real concern,” Canada’s Finance Minister Bill Morneau commented on diplomatic tension. At present, the parties have not found a way out of the gridlock. In this context, they will hardly resume efficient trade relations in the short term. A standoff between the two countries followed after Canada had arrested Huawei’s chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou at the request of the US. In retaliation, China detained several Canadian citizens who were accused of alleged involvement in espionage. Now they are facing trial as the charges of stealing China’s national security information were confirmed last month.
