Canadian Views on China Warm Despite US Tensions in 2025

A new comprehensive opinion poll reveals a fascinating and potentially pivotal shift in Canadian public sentiment. At a time of persistent geopolitical friction between the United States and China, the Canadian perspective appears to be charting its own distinct course. Contrary to what one might expect, Canadian views on China are showing signs of warming, suggesting a growing public appetite for a foreign policy that balances traditional alliances with pragmatic global engagement.

This nuanced outlook, detailed in the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada’s (APF Canada) 2025 opinion poll, highlights a population that is increasingly discerning about its place in the world. The data suggests that Canadians are carefully weighing economic opportunities against security concerns, and in the process, are cultivating a more independent stance on the world stage.

A Surprising Thaw: Key Findings from the 2025 Poll

The APF Canada poll provides a detailed snapshot of a public mood that is complex and evolving. While historical wariness remains, there is a clear and measurable trend toward a more open and pragmatic view of relations with China.

Notable improvements in general favourbility stand out as a primary indicator of this shift. A significantly larger portion of Canadians now express a “very” or “somewhat” favourable opinion of China compared to the lows recorded just a few years prior. This rebound in public perception is the foundation upon which other, more specific, attitudes are built.

Furthermore, the poll uncovers a growing public endorsement for deeper economic cooperation. Canadians appear to be recognizing the long-term benefits of engagement, even amidst well-publicized challenges. This is not a wholesale embrace, but rather a calculated openness to specific sectors and opportunities.

Economic Pragmatism vs. Security Concerns

When asked about specific areas of engagement, Canadians displayed a clear hierarchy of priorities, balancing economic interest with national security:

Navigating the US-China Rift: Canada’s Independent Streak

Perhaps the most striking finding of the 2025 poll is how Canadian public opinion is diverging from the trajectory of US-China relations. Despite high-profile tensions and pressure from its southern neighbour and closest ally, the Canadian public is not reflexively adopting a more hostile stance.

This suggests a maturation of Canada’s foreign policy consciousness. Canadians seem to be making a clear distinction between their country’s interests and those of the United States. The poll indicates a public that believes Canada should:

This independent streak does not signify a rupture with the United States, but rather a desire for a more sovereign and nuanced approach to international relations.

Explaining the Shift: Why Are Canadian Views Warming?

Several interconnected factors are likely driving this gradual warming of Canadian attitudes toward China.

A Post-Pandemic Recalibration is a significant element. The intense focus on the origins of COVID-19 and supply chain disruptions that characterized the early 2020s has begun to recede. As immediate crises fade, space has opened for a more long-term and pragmatic assessment of the relationship.

Furthermore, there is a growing recognition of China’s enduring global role. Canadians increasingly understand that China will remain a central player in the global economy, climate action, and international security for the foreseeable future. A policy of pure confrontation is increasingly viewed as impractical and not in Canada’s best interest.

The poll also points to generational change as a powerful undercurrent. Younger Canadians, who have grown up in a multipolar world and are more focused on global issues like climate change, tend to hold more favourable and pragmatic views of China than older generations. As this demographic cohort becomes a larger part of the electorate, its perspectives will continue to shape the national conversation.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

Despite the warming trend, the path forward for Canada-China relations is not without significant obstacles. Public opinion remains fluid and could be easily swayed by new geopolitical events or bilateral disputes.

Human rights concerns continue to be a major sticking point for a large segment of the Canadian population. Any perceived backsliding on Canada’s commitment to advocating for human rights would be met with strong public disapproval.

The management of critical minerals and emerging technology represents another delicate balancing act. Canadians support economic benefits but are wary of ceding control over assets deemed critical to national security. The government will need to navigate this fine line with extreme care.

Finally, the enduring strength of the US alliance remains the bedrock of Canadian foreign policy. While the public supports a more independent path, it is an independence that operates within the broader framework of the North American partnership. A serious dispute between Washington and Ottawa over China policy would put immense strain on this new public consensus.

Conclusion: A More Nuanced and Sovereign Canada

The 2025 APF Canada opinion poll paints a picture of a nation coming into its own on the world stage. The warming of Canadian views toward China, even amid US tensions, signals a growing public confidence in pursuing a foreign policy based on pragmatic national interest rather than ideological alignment.

This is not a simple story of improved relations, but a more complex narrative about a middle power seeking to define its role in an increasingly fractured world. Canadians are expressing a desire for a relationship with China that is clear-eyed about challenges but open to cooperation where interests align—particularly on existential issues like climate change.

For policymakers in Ottawa, the message is clear: the Canadian public is prepared to support a sophisticated, balanced, and sovereign approach to one of the most important and complex relationships of the 21st century. The era of automatic alignment may be giving way to an era of strategic independence.