Analysis: Canada–China Reset — Three Key Agreements Raise Concerns Over Human Rights and Transnational Repression

Transnational Repression Risks Rise in Canada-China Reset: Law Enforcement MOU and Cultural Ties Open Doors for Uyghur Diaspora Threats

by Tahir Imin

January 20, 2026

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s January 2026 visit to Beijing—the first in nearly a decade—reset Canada–China ties with a “new Strategic Partnership” and MOUs on trade, energy, culture, and law enforcement. While highlighting economic benefits, the agreements largely sideline human rights, raising concerns about the impact on Uyghur communities and Canada’s values.

Despite international calls—including from human rights organizations and Uyghur advocacy groups—for Prime Minister Carney to raise concerns about Uyghur genocide and human rights abuses in East Turkistan (Xinjiang) during meetings with President Xi Jinping, neither the Canadian nor Chinese official readouts mention any discussion of human rights issues. This omission aligns with a pattern where economic and diplomatic priorities appear to overshadow accountability for documented mass detentions, forced labor, and cultural suppression in East Turkistan, as outlined in UN and independent reports.

Media commentary, including from the Toronto Sun, has characterized the visit as Canada “cozying up” to China in a proclaimed “new world order.” Prime Minister Carney described discussions with President Xi as finding “much alignment of views” on topics including Greenland’s sovereignty, Arctic issues, and Denmark’s role—statements that have sparked debate about Canada’s positioning in shifting geopolitical dynamics.

Three specific elements of the agreements warrant particular attention for their potential risks to Uyghur diaspora safety and Canadian sovereignty.

Reaffirmation of the “One China” Policy: Diplomatic Continuity and Broader Context

The joint statement released on January 16, 2026, explicitly states: “Canada reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to its One China policy.” This language, appearing in both Chinese and Canadian official versions, reaffirms Ottawa’s longstanding position while aligning with Beijing’s narrative that Taiwan is an integral part of China.

Canadian readouts prioritize mutual respect, equality, and economic cooperation without foregrounding the clause, but its inclusion in the joint communiqué underscores diplomatic consistency.

Revival of Public Security Cooperation: Pathways for Potential Transnational Repression

A renewed Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Combating Crimes between China’s Ministry of Public Security (MPS) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) commits both sides to enhanced law enforcement collaboration on corruption, transnational crimes (including cyber fraud and illegal synthetic drugs), and counternarcotics efforts through annual working group meetings.

This agreement revives and updates police-to-police mechanisms similar to the 2010 MOU, which has previously been critiqued for its broad scope and lack of stringent safeguards against misuse. In China’s legal and political framework, vague or politically instrumentalized charges—such as “extremism,” “separatism,” or economic crimes—have frequently targeted Uyghur dissidents, activists, and exiles. Provisions for information sharing, locating individuals, or facilitating “voluntary” interviews could create channels through which Uyghur Canadians face heightened risks of surveillance, family intimidation in East Turkistan, or pressure to limit advocacy.

Although the MOU includes discretionary refusal options and references to acting in accordance with domestic laws, the absence of explicit human rights vetting or independent oversight raises legitimate concerns, especially given documented instances of transnational repression affecting Uyghur communities abroad, including in Canada.

Cultural and Tourism Exchanges: Channels for Soft Power Influence

The restart of the China-Canada Joint Committee on Culture, under an MOU between China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism and Canada’s Department of Canadian Heritage, commits to expanded exchanges in arts, heritage, education, creative industries, museums, digital content, and two-way tourism promotion, including visa facilitation.

This is risky because opening Canadians to China’s digital assets benefits China more than Canada, rather than bringing Chinese ideas or innovation to serve Canada.

Canadian statements frame these initiatives as opportunities to boost people-to-people ties and cultural understanding. However, expanded engagement with state-linked Chinese entities carries analytical risks of soft power projection. Uyghur advocates have consistently highlighted how cultural and media programs abroad can promote Beijing’s official narratives on East Turkistan while marginalizing or misrepresenting Uyghur perspectives. Such cooperation could inadvertently contribute to disinformation, influence Canadian institutions, or foster self-censorship among partners engaging with Chinese counterparts.

Implications: Balancing Economic Strategy with Human Rights Protections

Supporting mainland China against Taiwan, ignoring human rights, expanding police-to-police cooperation, exposing Canadians to Chinese digital propaganda and AI technologies, and bringing more China-affiliated personnel into Canada puts everyone at risk.

Merely strengthening ties, promoting Chinese narratives, and collaborating in trade, culture, and education—without guaranteeing human rights—clearly places human rights at the bottom of Canada’s priorities and risks undermining the progress Canada has made. Advancing bilateral ties without parallel mechanisms to address human rights concerns risks normalizing relations in a manner that may indirectly diminish international pressure on Beijing regarding Uyghur rights.

As the partnership evolves, close monitoring will be essential to ensure alignment with Canada’s commitments to refugee protection, freedom of expression, and international human rights standards.