Canada's relationship with the People's Republic of China (PRC) is entering a new chapter — and the opportunities are significant. Renewed diplomatic ties, reduced tariffs on key exports, and fresh interest from major Chinese investors signal real momentum. But seizing those opportunities requires more than optimism. It requires understanding how Beijing operates and guardrails to protect Canadian values, as well as economic and national security interests.
The Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada is launching PRC Power Abroad and the Guardrails We Need — a new webinar series unpacking the PRC's evolving foreign policy toolkit. Each session brings leading global experts to offer practical insights for Canadian businesses, policymakers, and advocates looking to engage China strategically — and on Canada's terms.
Session 4: China's Toolkit and the Rules-Based International Order
The PRC's relationship with the international order is more complex than either accommodation or confrontation. This session examines how the PRC engages with international institutions and norms — selectively invoking, contesting, and reshaping them in ways that reflect a distinctive approach to globalized populism as foreign policy. In this session, Potter will draw on his forthcoming book China and the Rules-Based International Order to map where the existing order is under strain, where it retains traction, and what the implications are for middle powers like Canada — exploring how principled pragmatism can help Canadian policy navigate foreign interference, asymmetric trade pressure, and human rights concerns while maintaining constructive engagement.
