I think that argument is valid. However, I think it's important to maintain a firm position. What harms Canada the most is when Canada seems to compromise on its principles, particularly when it has a position and then changes it. For example, following Mr. Carney's visit to China, there seems to be a desire to distance ourselves from Taiwan.
I experienced a situation where, when a conference was being organized, a Taiwanese representative was invited to speak. China reacted vehemently by saying that the person should not come. A point was made about the independence of academia.
I think that Canada must take firm positions while being aware that this is not an orthodox position that will eventually lead to changes. That's where I think it's important to develop expertise.