Japan Urges Canada to Focus on Indo-Pacific Ties, Avoid Isolation Over Values Focus

Canada's relations with India, China, and Russia have deteriorated recently due to disputes over human rights issues, espionage charges, and support for Ukraine.
Japan believes Canada needs to move away from a "middle power approach" and focus more on "Indo-Pacific diplomacy."
Canada risks further alienation from major powers if it continues a values-based foreign policy.
Japan recommends Canada strengthen ties with reliable allies like Japan, South Korea, Australia to avoid past mistakes.
The question is whether Canada will adopt a more pragmatic, interest-based foreign policy approach in the Indo-Pacific region.

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Relevant topic timeline:

9/16/2023

Canada Postpones Trade Mission to India Amid Strained Relations

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9/21/2023

India-Canada Ties Hit New Low Amid Visa Freeze and Diplomat Expulsions Over Trudeau's Allegations of Indian Role in Canadian Sikh Activist's Killing

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9/23/2023

US Confirms India-Canada Row Over Killing of Sikh Separatist Following Shared Intelligence

India and Canada are experiencing a diplomatic crisis following the killing of a Khalistani separatist leader, with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accusing India of involvement based on shared intelligence among Five Eyes partners.

9/24/2023

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Canada's defense minister, Bill Blair, affirmed Canada's commitment to pursuing partnerships with India while the investigation into the killing of a Khalistani leader continues, despite tensions between the two countries arising from allegations made by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of potential Indian involvement in the killing.

10/3/2023

Canada Seeks to De-escalate Tensions with India, Engage Responsibly Despite Ongoing Diplomatic Row

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has stated that Canada is not interested in escalating tensions with India and wants to be present in the country to assist Canadian families, amidst a demand from India to remove 40 diplomats.

10/3/2023

Trudeau Seeks to Defuse Tensions with India Over Diplomat Expulsions

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated that his country is in discussions with India to prevent the expulsion of Canadian diplomats, as tensions between the two countries escalate following Trudeau's accusation that India was involved in the killing of a Sikh activist in British Columbia.

10/7/2023

U.S. Fears Canada-India Dispute Could Undermine Quad Cooperation Against China

The Biden administration is concerned that the ongoing dispute between Canada and India over the alleged Indian involvement in the killing of a Sikh separatist could disrupt the U.S. strategy towards the Indo-Pacific region and counter China's influence, potentially impacting their foreign policy priorities.

10/7/2023

Canada-India Dispute over Sikh Separatist Killing Threatens Indo-Pacific Cooperation

The Biden administration is closely monitoring a dispute between Canada and India, as it could impact its strategy in the Indo-Pacific region, and there are concerns that India's actions may be similar to tactics used by Russia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and North Korea to silence opposition figures on foreign soil.

10/15/2023

India Protests Trudeau's Claim of Involvement in Canadian Sikh Activist's Death, Highlighting Ongoing Tensions over Khalistan Movement

The geopolitical rift between Canada and India has escalated after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused the Indian government of involvement in the killing of a Canadian Sikh activist, leading to accusations from India that Canada supports "anti-India activities" and harbors terrorists, with Canada's allies in the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing network now considering their next moves.

10/20/2023

U.S., UK Urge Restraint Between India and Canada Amid Diplomatic Row Over Killing of Sikh Separatist

The United States and Britain have urged India not to insist on Canada reducing its diplomatic presence in response to Canada's allegations of Indian involvement in the murder of a Sikh separatist, expressing concern about the departure of Canadian diplomats and calling for cooperation in the ongoing investigation.