Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has embarked on a week-long diplomatic tour of Asia aimed at expanding trade and security cooperation while reducing Canada’s long-standing economic dependence on the United States.
Officials confirmed that Carney’s trip, which began on Friday, includes stops in Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, and Japan.
The visit is also expected to feature high-level meetings on regional security and multilateral trade agreements.
According to senior government sources, the prime minister may also meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in what would mark a potential turning point in the strained Canada–China relationship.
Tensions between the two countries have remained high since their 2023 trade standoff over agricultural exports and electric vehicle tariffs.
Experts say the tour signals Carney’s effort to chart an independent economic path for Canada amid the shifting global trade order.
“While the world economy is fragmenting, Carney needs to make it clear that Canada stands apart and remains committed to rules-based trade and globalisation,” said Vina Nadjibulla, vice president of the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada.
Carney is expected to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Kuala Lumpur, meet with Singaporean officials, and later join the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea.
His agenda will focus on strengthening economic partnerships, expanding market access, and addressing regional supply chain challenges.
In September, Canada finalized a trade deal with Indonesia that will allow duty-free access for up to 95 percent of its exports within a year.
Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu confirmed that similar negotiations are underway with Malaysia, the Philippines, South Korea, and Japan to expand Canada’s trading footprint across Asia.
Despite these efforts, Canada still sends roughly 75 percent of its exports to the United States.
Carney’s trip comes as U.S. President Donald Trump prepares for his own Asian tour, which includes stops in Malaysia and a meeting with Xi Jinping in South Korea a move some analysts see as heightening competition for influence in the region.
Fen Hampson, professor of international affairs at Carleton University, described Asia as a critical frontier for Canada’s long-term economic growth.
“The economies in Southeast Asia are much more dynamic and compatible with Canada in terms of energy and commodities trade,” he said.
However, Hampson warned that closer engagement with China will remain complicated by U.S.-China geopolitical tensions.
“There’s enormous pressure on Canada not to make concessions that could be seen as favouring Beijing.
Until Washington and Beijing ease their rivalry, Ottawa’s diplomatic space will remain narrow,” he noted.
Analysts say Carney’s Asian outreach could define Canada’s new global trade strategy.
Yet, success will depend on balancing relations between Western allies and emerging Asian economies while protecting national interests at home.