Canada hosts U.S., Chinese military leaders at Indo-Pacific defence forum
Annual gathering of Indo-Pacific military leaders comes at a tense time in Canada-U.S. political relations, and while Ottawa seeks to improve relationship with Beijing.
Canada is hosting an annual Indo-Pacific defence forum this week, drawing military leaders from the United States and China amid escalating tensions. Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Jennie Carignan is co-hosting the 28th edition of the conference, which brings together 32 nations. This year's forum, now chaired by the commander of the U.S. Pacific Command, Adm.
Samuel Paparo, comes after the collapse of a new trade deal negotiation between Canada and the United States. The move by Prime Minister Mark Carney to impose retaliatory tariffs on American goods, in response to 50% tariffs imposed by President Trump on Canadian products, has drawn criticism from the U.S. Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, who dismissed any possibility of Canada retaliating, including targeting its military forces.
Despite the political bluster, officials insist that working relationships between American and Canadian military and intelligence agencies are strong. This year's theme of the conference is strengthening collective security in a "dynamic" regional landscape, with most discussions expected to be held in closed sessions. A joint press availability between Carignan and Paparo is scheduled for Wednesday at the forum's conclusion.
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