Charles Burton's Blog

Burton and Therchin Podcast Episode 2: Was Modern China Ever Close to Embracing True Liberalization?

2026-07-24T15:48:56.878-04:00

Burton and Therchin Podcast Episode 2: Was Modern China Ever Close to Embracing True Liberalization?

Burton: Xi or Trump? In the upheaval of world order, Canada calculates its "strategic partnership" with China

2026-07-14T17:24:43.043-04:00

Xi or Trump? In the upheaval of world order, Canada calculates its ‘strategic partnership’ with China

At a time when powerful leaders change their narratives and ignore their promises, how much benefit Canada can derive from kowtowing in either Beijing or Washington? Xi and Trump have no qualms about abrogating any agreement or understanding that Canada may think it has with them.

As America grapples to hold its swagger in a volatile geopolitical landscape, Chinese leader Xi Jinping exudes confidence that China is achieving “the community of the common destiny of mankind”, wherein the West’s glory days are past and China assumes global supremacy of “all under Heaven”.

In Ottawa, it was telling that Canadian officials remained silent after the Chinese Ambassador recently threatened Canada could say goodbye to our “strategic partnership” if we continue participating in freedom of naval navigation exercises through the Taiwan Strait.

Burton: How many more times will Beijing fool Canada’s politicians?

2026-07-14T17:19:52.393-04:00

How many more times will Beijing fool Canada’s politicians?

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-canada-china-relations-politics-trade-economy/

When Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met Canadian counterpart Anita Anand for bilateral talks this spring, he said our relations must be based on “setting aside differences and seeking common ground.” But experience shows that Beijing never sets aside any differences. Rather, China expects Ottawa to simply abandon any non-trade concerns in return for greater access to the Chinese market.

In this instance, the carrot was Mr. Wang speculating that if bilateral relations maintain “a momentum of development, and our policies remain stable and positive,” trade could grow 50 or even 100 per cent, “because China will soon become the world’s largest market, and the Chinese market is opening up to Canada more and more.”

When then-Chinese president Hu Jintao visited prime minister Paul Martin in 2005, the leaders elevated relations to a “strategic partnership” and promised to double bilateral trade within five years.

Eleven years later, premier Li Keqiang told then-prime minister Justin Trudeau that China would double trade with Canada by 2025, along with settling a dispute over canola and talks on free trade.

The promises never materialized, and Beijing’s mercantilistic regime – which strictly controls the economy to maximize state wealth and power – will never give Canada access to any significant share of China’s internal markets. Beijing sustains its economy with exports, not imports.

Tohti, McCuaig-Johnston Teich and Burton: How Canada can stand against forced labour in China

2026-07-13T20:31:42.032-04:00

How Canada can stand against forced labour in China

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-how-canada-can-stand-against-forced-labour-in-china/

Canada has introduced new, stronger legislation on forced labour in response to the U.S. Trade Representative’s (USTR) Section 301 investigation, a pretext for President Donald Trump’s beggar-thy-neighbour tariffs. The USTR found that Canada was not adequately implementing its current legislation.

As a result, 10-per-cent tariffs are threatened on Canadian products not covered by USMCA.

This was an own goal for Canada. Until last year, we were ramping up implementation by developing more rigorous legislation and enforcement. But then the state visit to China was offered and the government started dropping all its forced labour tools.

Bureaucrats drafting new legislation put down their pens. Staff reviewing products from Xinjiang produced with forced labour were told their jobs were being eliminated. Some were redeployed to increasing trade with China. Customs notices directing companies to comply with current legislation dropped mentions of forced labour. Global Affairs Canada no longer mentioned it in its Departmental Plan.

Tohti, McCuaig-Johnston Teich and Burton: Canada is trying to stop importing goods made by forced labour. Here is why it is not working

2026-07-13T20:21:32.344-04:00

Canada is trying to stop importing goods made by forced labour. Here is why it is not working

https://www.thestar.com/opinion/contributors/canadas-new-forced-labour-bill-faces-chinas-legal-trap/article_1f15dbc9-f391-43f0-bc9f-59f77f767aa7.html

China did not wait for Canada to act. While Ottawa spent six years allowing goods made with Uyghur forced labour to move largely unhindered from Xinjiang into Canadian markets, Beijing was building a legal system designed to punish countries and companies that eventually might dare to act.

Beijing is betting that six years of near-total enforcement failure are a reliable guide to Ottawa’s future behaviour. C-35 is the chance to prove that bet wrong, but only if the Carney government is prepared to write the one word that every credible Uyghur forced labour policy requires: Xinjiang.

Burton and Therchin Podcast Episode 01: Understanding China's Ethnic Unity and Progress Law

2026-07-13T20:08:44.093-04:00

Episode 01: Understanding China's Ethnic Unity and Progress Law

Trump going into high stakes summit in China ‘looking weak,' former diplomat Charles Burton on CTV

2026-05-13T17:08:06.823-04:00

Trump going into high stakes summit in China ‘looking weak,' former diplomat Charles Burton on CTV

Charles Burton's Statement and Answers at Canadian Commons Science Committee on Concerns Over Imports of Chinese Electric Vehicles on April 20, 2026

2026-05-08T19:07:06.600-04:00

Charles Burton's Statement and Answers at Canadian Commons Science Committee on Concerns Over Imports of Chinese Electric Vehicles on April 20, 2026

Charles Burton's Statement and Answers at Canadian Commons Procedure Committee on Proposed Amendments to Canada Elections Act to Better Counter Chinese Covert Interference on May 7, 2026

2026-05-08T14:48:55.459-04:00

Charles Burton's Statement and Answers at Canadian Commons Procedure Committee on Proposed Amendments to Canada Elections Act to Better Counter Chinese Covert Interference on May 7, 2026

Charles Burton Interview on Finance Minister Champagne's Delegation in Beijing on CTV News Channel

2026-04-05T08:26:00.001-04:00

Burton: A Canadian’s Past, Present and Future with China

2026-03-10T19:07:00.000-04:00

A Canadian’s Past, Present and Future with China

https://www.cips-cepi.ca/2026/03/10/a-canadians-past-present-and-future-with-china/

For decades, the assumption in Ottawa was that economic and institutional engagement would inevitably lead to political liberalization. We operated on the sincere, naive belief that by sharing our democratic values, the Chinese Communist Party would naturally liberalize. That hope was systematically dismantled. As Xi Jinping ascended to paramount leadership, it became undeniably clear that the regime never intended to reform. Instead, they weaponized our openness to modernize their economy and strengthen their totalitarian grip. The ultimate confirmation of Beijing’s hostility toward those speaking the truth came when I was formally sanctioned by the PRC in December 2024.

Given the current political trajectory, decisive action seems unlikely. Beijing wouldn’t approve, and the grim reality is that a generation of politically connected Canadian business elites and the corporate lawyers who facilitate their deals have become spontaneously beholden to the Chinese regime’s geostrategic interests. They are desperate to return to “business as usual,” doing so at a terminal cost to Canadian national security and our fundamental sovereignty.

When our leaders assess what they are willing to trade away for the transactional promise of market access, they would do well to remember the wisdom of St. Matthew: “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”

Burton: There’s a blur around our Foreign Interference Transparency Commissioner

2026-03-10T19:02:00.001-04:00

There’s a blur around our Foreign Interference Transparency Commissioner

https://www.ipolitics.ca/2026/03/10/theres-a-blur-around-our-foreign-interference-transparency-commissioner/

Is the Government’s actual plan to have a Transparency Commission that is weak, compliant and underfund, and undercut its independence by having the new Foreign Interference Coordinator control who gets listed on the Foreign Influence Registry?

The fear is that Mr. Boegman will end up being a figurehead, more active in issuing information bulletins and updates than exposing figures who help promote the agendas of Beijing and Moscow in Canada — and receive benefits for doing so.

Many people will be watching to ensure Mr. Boegman flourishes in his job. Canadians have long been clamouring for a transparency registry. They will want to be certain that it is be being properly used to protect our national security.

Burton: Opening Statement to Canadian House of Commons International Trade Committee on February 26, 2026

2026-02-28T08:35:00.002-05:00

Burton: The Illusion of “Beneficial” Relations Ottawa’s Latest Capitulation to Beijing

2026-02-28T08:28:00.005-05:00

Burton: The Illusion of “Beneficial” Relations Ottawa’s Latest Capitulation to Beijing

https://therealstory.substack.com/p/the-illusion-of-beneficial-relations?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=2hy34d&triedRedirect=true

So, what is China’s actual motive in wanting to send a delegation of ersatz “parliamentarians” to Canada?

It is, of course, a classic United Front operational tactic: an opportunity to identify and curry favour with Canadian policymakers who might serve as promising targets for future influence. The broader, more insidious purpose is to promote the illusion that China is a legitimate nation-state with a legislature that serves as a moral and political equivalent to Canada’s democratic parliament.

China’s national constitution makes the ridiculous claim that this utterly impotent NPC is the “supreme organ of state power.” Try telling that to the Standing Committee of the Chinese Communist Party’s Political Bureau, where Xi Jinping’s true regime authority resides.

The bottom line is that the Canada-China Legislative Association is a Communist Party United Front Work Department proxy agency. It serves the Chinese regime’s geostrategic purposes, and Canadian taxpayers are footing half the bill.

Burton: China’s political roiling is getting attention here in Canada - iPolitics

2026-02-13T19:20:00.001-05:00

Burton: China’s political roiling is getting attention here in Canada - iPolitics

https://www.ipolitics.ca/2026/02/13/chinas-political-roiling-is-getting-attention-here-in-canada/

Whatever is really going on with Xi’s grip on power (and officials in Washington and elsewhere are watching very closely), the glaring fundamental barrier between Beijing and the West remains the incompatibility between the absolute authority of China’s Communist Party and the societal accountability of democratic institutions — including Canada’s.

This is not simply a case of divergent opinions over human rights or the role of sovereignty in relations between nations. Before we even begin negotiating the details of diplomatic or trade agreements, seeing the Canada-China relationship as a “strategic partnership” first requires us to believe that we can have reciprocal, fair state-to-state relations.

And that requires buying into a myth, not reality.

Burton on CTV News: With a death sentence in China overturned, could Robert Schellenberg receive a trial in Canada?

2026-02-09T07:59:00.002-05:00

Jason Kenney's Speech at Burton Book Launch December 1, 2025 Lord Elgin Hotel

2026-01-24T15:10:00.002-05:00

Jason Kenney's Speech at Ottawa Book Launch December 1, 2025 Lord Elgin Hotel

He was the only academic willing to challenge the deep and subtle Canadian foreign policy consensus about China relations and always thoughtfully. He was one of the first Canadian scholars to go into China following the normalization of relations in 1970, and always with a fair mind.

He and I encountered each other when he was assigned a contract by the Department of Foreign Affairs to produce a report specifically on the Canada-China human rights dialogue. And I'll allow him to summarize it. But, the headline was essentially he said it was a sham and a fraud, and that it got in the way of substantive, respectful dialogue between the two sides.

Well, the Department tried to bury his report. I was then the chairman of the Human Rights Subcommittee of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the House of Commons. And so we passed a motion as a committee to force the release of this report, and all hell broke loose, complicated by the fact that I was actually the parliamentary secretary to the Prime Minister at the time.

And that was just the beginning of a long and interesting journey that I had with Charles for many years in government.

I want to say that for all of those years, I tried at my best to challenge a consensus that was not operating in the interest of Canada, and I am pleased to say that that view, Charles’ view, the view of many of you in this room, has been vindicated, and it's not a happy education, but it's a vindication nevertheless. And I can tell you that the Canadian business community that was speaking with one voice 15 years ago, 10 years ago, maybe even five years ago, suggesting that the only possible Canadian policy vis-a-vis Beijing was when it was a total supplication. On all counts, that is no longer the case because virtually none of those businesses actually made earnings with their operations, most of them if they made the effort there found that their local partners absconded with intellectual property, with copyright, with patent, with sensitive information, with profits, with capital. With no legal recourse, despite the Harper government's best efforts. All of which is to say that it's been a bitter vindication.

But Charles, you've been a voice in the wilderness. You've been a prophet. And you more than anyone in Canada. Is responsible for the fundamental shift from cynicism towards realism in the Canada China relationship, and I just want to say, as a friend, thank you for that. Thank you.

Burton: China reboot: A lot is at risk in Carney’s search for markets in January 20, 2026 Toronto Star

2026-01-20T17:40:00.001-05:00

China reboot: A lot is at risk in Carney’s search for markets

https://www.thestar.com/opinion/contributors/china-reboot-a-lot-is-at-risk-in-carney-s-search-for-markets/article_07d17cbb-fce8-4597-b5c6-b673368e9cb7.html

The complexity of this relationship hasn’t changed. While Mr. Carney described a “new strategic partnership … that will help set Canada and China up for the new world order”, Chinese President Xi Jinping referred to the partnership as “with a sense of responsibility for history, for the people and for the world.” The new order that Canada is invited to join is the China-dominated world Xi envisions by 2050, which he calls "the community of the common destiny of mankind."

Beijing likes joint statements that cite “strategic partnerships.” Canadian officials may not have grasped the consequences of the phrase, but Xinhua news agency seized upon it with the headline, “Xi calls for advancing building of China-Canada new strategic partnership.”

Past experiences of Canada and other nations is that if we don’t subordinate our values and sovereignty to China’s expectations of a “strategic partner,” then canola sales don’t happen, or Beijing’s interpretations of agreements weaken considerably from how we understood them.

Former diplomat speaks on Canada and China's shifting relations, and implications for U.S. ties: Charles Burton on CTV

2026-01-15T17:37:00.001-05:00

Charles Burton Warns Canada on China Policy

2026-01-15T12:17:00.003-05:00

How relations with China could impact CUSMA negotiations: Charles Burton on CTV

2026-01-12T18:12:00.001-05:00

China Has None of Our Values — Why Call It a “Strategic Partnership”? Charles Burton on CTV.

2026-01-08T20:25:00.001-05:00

Burton: Can Carney succeed in China? History is not on his side

2026-01-08T20:22:00.005-05:00

Can Carney succeed in China? History is not on his side

https://www.thestar.com/opinion/contributors/can-carney-succeed-in-china-history-is-not-on-his-side/article_8faab3a7-3adb-4901-a38f-891eb0a72e54.html

Amidst tectonic geopolitical change, is it even possible for Carney and Xi to set a new workable relationship?

For its part, Ottawa has already signalled that Canada no longer views China as an “increasingly disruptive global power.” The new phrase is “strategic partner” — reviving a 2005 framework that laid dormant during years of tensions between the two countries.

That’s an interesting characterization, given China’s other strategic partners: Russia and North Korea.

Canada’s own past futilities — including years of efforts to expand market access in China, often by acquiescing to Beijing’s demands — have yielded scant rewards. Carney’s “pragmatic recalibration” of the relationship is unlikely to fare better, as Beijing grapples to revive its own economy crippled by slumping consumer confidence.

China is not Canada’s strategic partner. At best, we are competitors; at worst, Beijing poses a systemic challenge to the fragile rules-based international order we claim to uphold.

As Mark Carney prepares to pursue fair trade with a regime whose values are well known, Canadians must ask themselves: Which path do we take?

Tony Clement talks with Dr. Charles Burton about his new book " The Beaver & The Dragon, Canada–China tensions & key insights"

2025-12-11T20:58:00.006-05:00

Tony Clement talks with Dr. Charles Burton about his new book " The Beaver & The Dragon, Canada–China tensions & key insights. "

https://vimeo.com/1140091174

Shorter version:
https://youtu.be/uJEEx6R-jpM?si=1ZnLrhrMhYu3PsNs

Charles Burton's evidence to the Canadian Commons Procedure Committee on Chinese Interference in Canadian Democratic Institutions

2025-12-11T12:47:00.001-05:00