Opposition, experts praise new Indo-Pacific strategy but want implementation plan

By Dylan Robertson, The Canadian Press on November 28, 2022.

OTTAWA – Opposition parties and geopolitical experts say they welcome the Liberals’ new Indo-Pacific strategy, but it needs an implementation plan.

Ministers revealed the government’s priorities for the Indo-Pacific region on Sunday, including trade and military projects intended to counterbalance a rising China.

The strategy includes $2.3 billion in new spending over five years and features the clearest language yet on how Canada aims to handle its relationship with China.

But parties and experts say Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly needs to have a plan to spend the money that sets out clear targets.

Officials say they plan to deploy a third naval frigate in the region next year, but that’s the only announcement pegged to a rough timeline.

Chinese ambassador Cong Peiwu is scheduled to speak at a university event this afternoon on the heels of the strategy’s release.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 28, 2022.

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