Chinese investments in Canadian natural resources and technology sectors pose significant security implications, primarily by creating strategic dependencies on a foreign state and exposing critical sectors to economic and political coercion. The Canadian government has increasingly viewed these investments through a national security lens, moving away from a more open approach. Critical Minerals and Strategic Vulnerability  The most significant security concern is China's dominance...

China's economic influence in Canada is significant, particularly in the energy, minerals, and agriculture sectors, although it's characterized by a trade imbalance and a growing level of political scrutiny. China is a major buyer of Canada's raw resources and agricultural products, which provides a strong economic boost, but the relationship is also marked by trade disputes and a lack of market diversification for Canadian exports. Minerals and Energy: The Raw Resource Link ...

U.S. policymakers balance economic interdependence with security fears in shaping future China policy by shifting from a strategy of engagement to one of strategic competition. This new approach recognizes that while a full "decoupling" is economically unfeasible, certain dependencies on China, particularly in critical technologies and supply chains, pose significant national security risks. The core of this balancing act is a concept called "de-risking." The Shift from Engagement to...

China’s partnerships in Latin America and the Caribbean can indirectly weaken U.S. influence in its own hemisphere. China is doing this by challenging the U.S. as the region's dominant economic partner, offering an alternative model of engagement, and expanding its political and military presence in a way that undermines U.S. security interests. Economic Displacement and Leverage  For decades, the United States was the unquestioned top trading partner and source...

Ahmed al-Shara’s UN speech last week presented an idealized Syria far removed from the perilous reality. “The president is here,” a coordinator announced, rushing to the entrance of a lavish private club in midtown Manhattan, where an impatient crowd, restless after waiting more than an hour, buzzed with anticipation for Syria’s new interim leader. Outside, the streets reverberated with both support and opposition, a reflection of the deep divisions...

Washington and New Delhi will only get along when both accept permanent ambiguity as a feature, not a bug, of the partnership. It has become a familiar refrain in recent strategic commentary that India risks squandering its moment by refusing to commit to the West. In this framing, articulated persuasively in a recent essay for Foreign Affairs by Dr. Ashley Tellis, India is either deluding itself about the realities of Chinese power or simply freeriding on American...

President Trump’s volte-face on India will not be reversed anytime soon, but that does not mean cooperation over matters of shared interest is a dead letter. President Donald Trump has ushered in a new era in US-India relations. Considerable time and effort will be required to move US-India relations away from this new transactional era and back to the path of partnership. Trump’s heavy-handed approach through a so-called “reciprocity” for trade deficits, a...

China uses cultural and educational soft power to enhance its international image, promote its political agenda, and project influence within the U.S. This is achieved through three main avenues: Confucius Institutes, student exchanges, and diaspora networks. While some of these efforts appear benign, they're often viewed by U.S. policymakers and intelligence agencies as tools for shaping public opinion, gathering intelligence, and exerting political control. Confucius...

Cyber espionage and intellectual property (IP) theft play a central and highly contentious role in the U.S.–China rivalry. The U.S. government views these activities as a deliberate, state-sponsored campaign by China to gain a competitive advantage, accelerate its military modernization, and ultimately challenge U.S. global leadership. This isn't just a matter of corporate espionage; it's a core component of China's national strategy. China's "Military-Civil Fusion" and the...

China's technological rise significantly influences U.S. debates about innovation, regulation, and security by presenting a clear and formidable challenge to America's long-held technological leadership. This challenge is viewed by many as a zero-sum competition, forcing the U.S. to re-evaluate its traditional approach to technology and its relationship with the private sector. Innovation: From Cooperation to Competition  For decades, the U.S. operated on the principle that its...

Chinese investments in U.S. real estate, agriculture, and businesses are considered significant to national security, but the nature and severity of the threat vary by sector. The U.S. government, particularly through the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), is increasingly scrutinizing these investments, especially when they involve proximity to military bases or access to critical technology and sensitive data. Real Estate: Proximity and Strategic Assets ...

China's economic influence significantly affects U.S. policy decisions, primarily by creating dependencies and leverage in trade, finance, and technology. This influence forces U.S. policymakers to balance economic interests against national security concerns and geopolitical rivalry. Trade and Economic Coercion  China's role as the U.S.'s largest merchandise trading partner gives it immense leverage. The U.S. relies on China for a vast range of consumer goods and industrial...