Japan adviser urges caution on Canada-China trade

A Japanese policy adviser says Canada should be careful about deepening trade with China, warning that Ottawa should keep in mind the risk Beijing could use closer ties for economic coercion.

Kazuto Suzuki, a professor at the University of Tokyo's Graduate School of Public Policy, gave the warning in an interview Thursday with The Globe and Mail. Suzuki is also a member of Japan's Council for Japan's Growth Strategy. The Globe and Mail

He was in Canada on a speaking tour sponsored by Japan's government. He gave presentations in Toronto, Ottawa and Calgary on challenges facing both Canada and Japan.

The caution comes after Canada and China struck a preliminary trade deal to reduce tariffs and remove barriers during a visit to Beijing. Reuters

China has said its arrangements with Canada to address bilateral economic and trade issues are not targeted at any third party. Reuters

Trade between the two countries has cooled. Chinese imports from Canada fell 10.4 per cent in 2025 to $41.7 billion, down from an all-time high a year earlier. Reuters

The United States and five allies have previously jointly condemned trade practices amounting to economic coercion. Researchers at the University of Toronto's Munk School study how China employs economic coercion in political disputes, and what it means for Canada.