Thank you, Mr. Chong.
I think we have learned a lot about China in the last three or four years. Of course, the detention of the two Michaels was a very difficult period, but we also learned that China is adept at using trade as a weapon. We suffered a loss of $4.5 billion in exports after the arrest of Meng Wanzhou. More recently, Australia was at the receiving end after former prime minister Scott Morrison asked for a full investigation into the origin of the COVID-19 pandemic.
We also know how much repression has increased in China under Xi Jinping. In listening to Xi Jinping's speech last Sunday, it was clear he feels he is on a mission and wants to change the norms and standards at international organizations. From my perspective, it should be easy for Ottawa to conclude that China has become a strategic rival and competitor, and that we have to align very closely with our friends and allies.