Canada's Prime Minister Carney Embarks on Asia Visit to Forge New Alliances, Reduce US Dependence

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is undertaking his first official visit to Asia to strengthen trade and security ties, aiming to reduce Canada's heavy dependence on the U.S. and expand into new markets. His itinerary includes attending the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur, meetings in Singapore, and the APEC summit in South Korea, with the potential for a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping to reset strained relations worsened by trade tensions. Carney's mission emphasizes Canada's independent trade agenda, seeking agreements with countries like Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, South Korea, and Japan, despite the ongoing challenges posed by U.S. President Donald Trump's termination of trade talks over political disputes. Analysts note that while Canada still relies on the U.S. for about 75% of its exports, Asia presents broader opportunities, especially in energy and commodities, which Canada aims to capitalize on amid global economic fragmentation and rising U.S.-China tensions. Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu and others highlight Canada's proactive approach to diversifying exports and forging new partnerships, signaling a strategic pivot in foreign policy toward Asia. Carney's outreach reflects Canada's intent to maintain commitment to rules-based trade and globalization even as global economic alliances shift.