Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said the federal government will continue to invest in the Canadian military in response to the “constant threat” from foreign “authoritarian states”, citing Russia and China.
Prime Minister Trudeau, who held a press conference alongside Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Ottawa on January 12, also emphasized Canada’s commitment to its Indo-Pacific strategy.
“We all know the world is changing,” Trudeau told reporters. “The world changed when Russia chose to invade its peaceful neighbor.”
“We understand the constant threat posed by unstable and authoritarian states around the world, which unfortunately requires us to continue to strengthen and Canada has invested heavily in its military. I did.”
The federal government announced on January 9 that Canada will invest $19 billion over the next nine years to purchase 88 Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jets to replace its fleet of aging CF-18 Hornets. bottom. This will be the largest investment Canada has made. 30 years in the Air Force.
“Part of creating prosperity and peace for our citizens, unfortunately, means investing in security architecture that will be critical in the years to come.
At a press conference, the prime minister added that there would be a certain focus on the Indo-Pacific region due to “the rise of increasingly contested authoritarian powers, whether one side is Russia or China.” In the announced Indo-Pacific Strategy, it is an “increasingly disruptive global power.”
China strategy
Before unveiling the Indo-Pacific Strategy last November, Foreign Minister Melanie Jolie said Canada would have to “challenge” and “cooperate” with China in the future, depending on the nature of the situation.
On November 9, 2022, she said:
Trudeau echoed Jolly’s words at a Jan. 12 press conference, saying Canada would decide when to stand up to China and when to cooperate with the nation.
“There are areas where we have to cooperate with China, there are areas where we have to compete with China, and there are areas where we have to compete directly with China,” he said. .
“Whether it concerns human rights or respect for international rules and the rules-based order, the approach is thoughtful, coordinated, coordinated, accountable and provides opportunities for our nations and people around the world. We will continue our approach to China,” he said.
Peter Wilson is a reporter based in Ontario, Canada.