Military Exercises with the China’s People’s Liberation Army

CAF Operations

Question

Why is the Canadian Armed Forces engaging in military exercises and defence activities with the People’s Liberation Army?

  • Canada remains committed to being a reliable player in the Asia-Pacific region through consistent engagement and strong partnerships.
  • The Canadian Armed Forces have not engaged in bilateral training exercises with China in 2019 and 2020.
  • In parallel with the whole-of-government review of Canada’s approach to China, National Defence is currently reviewing its engagements with the Chinese military.
  • Canada will continue to engage in the Asia-Pacific region in a manner that promotes peace and security around the world.

If pressed on Canadian citizens detained in China:

  • Canada remains deeply concerned by China’s actions, including the arbitrary detention and sentencing of Canadian citizens.

Quick Facts

  • 2019 World Military Games:
    • The Canadian Armed Forces sent a delegation of 114 athletes to the 2019 World Military Games in Wuhan, China.
    • 9,308 military athletes from 109 countries took part in the Games, including 25 of 27 NATO countries.
  • Winter Survival Training Initiative:
    • A proposed 2019 winter training observation by the Canadian Armed Forces and the People’s Liberation Army did not take place.
    • In January 2018, the Canadian Armed Forces sent a delegation to China to observe winter training conducted by the People’s Liberation Army.
    • In February 2018, the People’s Liberation Army sent a delegation to Canada to observe winter survival training conducted by the Canadian Armed Forces.
  • Defence Attaché
    • The Canadian Armed Forces maintain a Defence Attaché at the Canadian embassy in Beijing, China, as part of a longstanding policy of fostering defence relations with foreign militaries around the world.
 

Responsible Principals: Assistant Deputy Minister (Policy), Strategic Joint Staff, Canadian Army

January 15, 2021

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