Two-thirds of Canadians believe China will surpass the U.S. as the world’s most influential nation within a decade – something some view as more of a threat than an opportunity, according to a recent poll.
The poll, released today by the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, found a growing number of Canadians see China’s growing influence as threatening. However, B.C. does not fit the national mould, with 71% of British Columbians viewing Asian economies as vital to Canadian prosperity, compared with 51% of Quebecers.
In fact, B.C.’s interest in engaging with Asia and pursuing trade opportunities is growing, according to foundation president Yuen Pau Woo.
With the downturn in the U.S. economy, he said, British Columbians are increasingly seeing Asia – and notably China – as an area of opportunity.
“Today we have at least a dozen mills across rural B.C. that remain open almost exclusively because of the Chinese market,” Woo said. “So there’s blooming awareness about the importance of China for the B.C. economy, and I think there’s growing support, not just at the political and business leadership level, but also at the community level.”
However, Woo said the gap between B.C.’s views of Asia and the national views – which he attributes largely to Ontario and Quebec – poses a problem for the province.
“There’s only one foreign policy and there’s only one international trade policy, and if politicians are influenced unduly by one region over another then these policies will be skewed in a particular direction.”
Woo said that, to fight for B.C.’s interests, the provincial government will need to try to sell the rest of the country on Asia.
“I think the new premier has a special challenge to fly the flag and to lead other provinces to appreciate the centrality of Asia not just for B.C. but for Canada as a whole.” he said.