Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has outlined a principled and pragmatic agenda for nations navigating a new era of great power rivalry. His recent Beijing visit exemplified diplomatic pragmatism, including negotiations for an energy cooperation framework and the rollback of Canada's 100 per cent tariff on Chinese electric vehicles.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has proposed a 'third path' agenda that is both principled and pragmatic, aimed at guiding middle powers through an era of intensifying great power rivalry between the United States and China. The boldness of this critique is notable coming from Canada, a country deeply intertwined with the US through alliances, geographic proximity, and economic ties.
Carney's visit to Beijing served as a masterclass in diplomatic pragmatism. During the trip, he negotiated a framework for energy cooperation and rolled back Canada's 100 per cent tariff on Chinese electric vehicles—a move seen as realistic rather than capitulatory.
Key elements highlighted include references to figures like Alexander Stubb and events tied to Canada-China relations, Qatar, Washington, Venezuela, the US-led international order, Davos, the West, Donald Trump, Václav Havel, and the United States, including mentions of a US invasion of Venezuela.
This agenda underscores the positioning of middle powers amid shifting global dynamics, balancing principles with practical engagement.
