Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Members of the committee, thank you for the opportunity to appear before you this evening.
I would like to focus my remarks on three major themes.
First, while the announcement of Canada's Indo-Pacific strategy was welcomed by many stakeholders, Canada should make every effort to ensure its implementation and even go further in order to reverse its flagging reputation as a reliable partner.
Second, the increasing activity of Asian states, including China, in the Arctic means that, de facto, the Arctic is part of the Indo-Pacific and Canada should be upping its game in support of Arctic development and security.
Third, Canada should be leveraging its relationship with key U.S. allies in the north Pacific, namely Japan and Korea, and should work with them not only in the Arctic but also in Southeast Asia, where they are major investors, and take advantage of their long-standing experience in dealing with China.
My first point is that Canada has a long history of coming and going in Asia. The Indo-Pacific strategy could indeed be a generational change, but its budget is not large, and it may be a challenge to keep the funds flowing in an era of budget cuts. Canada should stay the course and leverage other relationships for greater impact.
In this context I would like to make the point that Canada does very little to leverage one of its most important assets in Asia, namely our large Asian diaspora and alumni from Canadian universities. These pools of human capital would no doubt prove invaluable if we were to call upon them to get involved and to share their knowledge of Indo-Pacific markets, business norms, culture and local politics. Our representatives abroad are likely already in contact with some of these talented people, but this should be actively encouraged and supported by the Government of Canada.
My second point is that many Canadians would be surprised to know the extent to which Asian nations are implicated in the Arctic. China has declared itself to be a near-Arctic state with the development of the so-called polar silk road as a priority. Japan has a long history of Arctic engagement, in particular regarding scientific activities, polar research and innovation. With climate change and the prospect of greater use of the Northwest Passage, South Korea will also focus on shipbuilding. All are interested in mineral development, including critical minerals.
As Munk School founding director Janice Stein stated in a conference last year, the Arctic will be “the next big bucket of investment for Canada”. However, the necessary investments in Arctic infrastructure and security, in spite of the fact that this region is central to Canadian interests, are yet to happen in any significant way. I would argue that further investments in technologies such as spatial and drone reconnaissance and combining with NATO and other partners to shore up defences and build the Arctic's economic resilience would be a long-term benefit to Canada.
My third point is that Indo-Pacific strategies arguably came about as a means of countering China's growing influence in Asia. Canada joined the fray after many of the other players. I believe that in order for Canada to achieve the maximum impact on a sustainable basis, we should be allying with other democratic nations, in particular U.S. allies such as Japan and South Korea. The trilateral summit—the U.S., Japan and South Korea—that took place in August 2023 was truly groundbreaking. There is little doubt that part of the incentive for the increased level of collaboration was the push not only for enhanced communication and interoperability, but also for greater burden-sharing.
The U.S. is facing challenges on all fronts and would no doubt appreciate Canada taking on its fair share in the Arctic, which could free up vital resources for other Indo-Pacific ventures. In addition, Canada should be taking advantage of Japan and Korea's technical innovation and business expertise to expand opportunities in the Arctic and Indo-Pacific, especially in Southeast Asia.
Canada has a good deal of experience in dealing with the United States, and Japan and Korea with China. Against the backdrop of potential changes in America's leadership in Asia, Canada would be wise to strengthen these north Pacific relationships.
Thank you very much. I'd be happy to answer any questions.