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

CAF Operations

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.

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