China is the “greatest threat” to democracy: the new US ambassador

It is important for Ottawa and Washington to present a united front and challenge Beijing’s global push to expand its military, economic and authoritarian influence, the newly appointed United States of America in Canada. Ambassador David Cohen said.

“I think we can discuss all democracy in the world, both for Canada and the United States, and China is our greatest threat,” Cohen said. Globe and Mail December 9th.

“The fact is that China is very much in line with anti-democratic and authoritarian ways.”

In his first interview since taking office as Ambassador to Canada, Cohen emphasized the need for authoritarianism in general, especially democracy to challenge cybersecurity threats and human rights abuses in Beijing.

“China is a poster child of what we are trying to fight together,” he said.

Cohen Is a lawyer and lobbyist who served as a senior advisor to Comcast, a major US telecommunications company. He is pleased with Ottawa’s new direction in China policy and its commitment to deeper partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region.

“It’s important for us to do so in unison with each other, as Canada is clarifying China’s policy and the United States is refining China’s policy,” he said. “Canada is arguably our most important ally, and being in line with a fundamentally important relationship like China is really important for that long-term relationship.”

Ottawa’s Indo-Pacific strategy emerged in the aftermath 3 years of diplomatic freeze With China after Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig returned safely to Canada September.. The two were arbitrarily detained in Chinese prisons for more than 1,000 days in retaliation for arresting Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou in a U.S. extradition warrant in 2018. ..

NS November 23, speech from the throne “The changing world needs to adapt and expand diplomatic involvement,” he acknowledged this priority. Canada will continue to work with its major allies and partners, making prudent efforts to deepen partnerships across the Indo-Pacific and the Arctic Circle. “

Cohen also expressed concern that China would strengthen its geopolitical power by acquiring important rare earth minerals and acquiring Canada’s major sectors.

In a research paper in March, “Geopolitics of the supply chain of important minerals,” author Jane Nakano China is “home to about one-third of the world’s rare earth reserves,” and said it is “investing in overseas mining projects” to make up for the scarce resources.

Recognizing that its important mineral resources have considerable geopolitical influence, China recognizes that the Energy Security and Climate Change Program of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington, DC-based think tank. Mr. Nakano, a senior researcher at the Center for Strategic Science and Technology, writes.

In response to threats from Beijing, Canada and the United States, Memorandum In August, we will accelerate research, development and procurement of key minerals essential for national security, the energy transition and global competitiveness.

In July, the Trudeau government New guidelines To protect Canadian research and intellectual property from foreign interference, espionage, theft, especially China, as the Canadian Security Intelligence Service does. Repeated warning..

Cohen emphasized that the threat of China’s cyberattacks, which could disrupt Western financial markets, is a special concern of the Biden administration.

“China is a state actor and is known for hacking and invading computer networks in key industrial areas,” he said. This is a strong motivation for the United States and Canada to “work together and be prepared to monitor and stop these types of threats.”

Ambassador only Prime Minister Justin when asked why Huawei has not yet been banned by 5G Network, the only member of the Five Eyes Alliance consisting of Canada, New Zealand, the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom. I avoided commenting by saying. Trudeau promised that the decision was imminent.

Trudeau in late September Said His cabinet will decide whether to ban Huawei “in the coming weeks.”

“We continue to consider different options, but we’re sure we’ll make an announcement in the coming weeks,” he told reporters on September 28 at the first press conference a week after the reelection. rice field.

Use The Canadian Press files