Taipei: Canada aims to diversify its partnerships as the global landscape shifts rapidly and does not intend to choose sides between China and Taiwan, according to Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada Vice President Vina Nadjibulla. In an interview with CNA in Taipei, Nadjibulla emphasized the importance of deepening ties with Taiwan in practical areas, despite stalled progress on a proposed Taiwan-Canada trade cooperation deal.

According to Focus Taiwan, although talks between Taiwan and Canada on a trade cooperation framework agreement concluded in early 2025, Ottawa has reportedly delayed its signing due to concerns about its relationship with Beijing. Nadjibulla suggested that cooperation could still be expanded in areas such as energy security, critical minerals, and emerging technologies, citing that there is significant potential for collaboration even without a formal deal. She also emphasized the role of businesses and civil society groups in fostering an environment conducive to political decision-making.

Nadjibulla further elaborated on Canada’s strategic positioning, indicating that the country seeks to strengthen its autonomy by diversifying partnerships rather than aligning with any single power. She referenced Prime Minister Mark Carney’s stance that non-hegemonic countries, which are neither the United States nor China, should collaborate to maximize their agency and autonomy.

When asked about Canada’s ties with the U.S., Nadjibulla noted that the country aims to maintain constructive relations while bolstering its own capabilities and partnerships globally. This strategy involves investing in domestic strength and expanding global partnerships, rather than reacting to policy shifts in Washington. She highlighted the importance of remaining calm and focusing on deepening global relationships.

Canada’s approach to China remains “clear-eyed,” as the country navigates economic coercion and diplomatic tensions experienced in recent years. Nadjibulla pointed out that a mere 5 percent of Canadian exports go to China, a figure significantly lower than that of Australia or Japan. Ottawa is working to stabilize ties with Beijing while maintaining “clear guardrails,” avoiding cooperation in sensitive areas such as AI and defense.

Nadjibulla also underscored the economic complementarity between Taiwan and Canada. She noted that Taiwan could benefit from Canada’s strengths in energy, resources, and research, while Canada could leverage Taiwan’s manufacturing capabilities. Diversifying energy supply sources could enhance Taiwan’s resilience, particularly in light of current geopolitical uncertainties in the Middle East, which impact energy supply stability.