Canadians warming to China as trade diversification tops the agenda: APF-Angus Reid poll

Canadians are warming to China, though a majority still view the country unfavourably, according to a new poll from the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada and the Angus Reid Institute released Nov. 10.

Thirty-eight per cent of Canadians now say they have a favourable view of China, more than double the 15 per cent who said so in November 2024. Sixty-nine per cent say developing a stronger relationship with China is important as Canada looks to reduce its dependence on the United States, while 53 per cent still view China unfavourably, citing concerns over defence and security and foreign interference.

Trade is driving the shift. Seventy-seven per cent say promoting trade, investment, and supply chain resilience should be a priority as Canada engages with Asia, and 74 per cent say Canada would benefit from more investment from Asia. But the enthusiasm is selective: only 49 per cent say Canada would benefit from more Chinese investment specifically, compared with 74 per cent for Asian economies other than China.

Forty-one per cent say they have become more supportive of trade with China in response to U.S.-Canada trade tensions, less than the 58 per cent who say the same of Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.

The poll also finds Canadians’ priorities have flipped on values versus trade. Fifty-seven per cent now put trade before human rights and the rule of law in dealings with China, up from 43 per cent when the question was asked in September 2025.

Canadians now put trade ahead of values in dealing with China

Key findings from the APF-Angus Reid poll →

57%

put trade before human rights and the rule of law, up from 43% in September 2025

69%

say a stronger relationship with China is important, as Canada reduces reliance on the U.S.

77%

say trade and supply chain resilience should be a priority, in Canada’s engagement with Asia

49%

say more Chinese investment would benefit Canada, vs. 74% for other Asian economies

Sources: Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada / Angus Reid Institute poll, Nov. 10, 2026 · Infographic: China Factor · November 2026

The same flip appears for India, at 56 per cent versus 44 per cent in 2025. Favourable views of India rose to 36 per cent from 26 per cent in 2024, while 61 per cent say a stronger relationship with India is important.

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The findings land as Prime Minister Mark Carney departs on a global trip this week, with stops at major summits in the Philippines and Cambodia and a visit to China, to continue efforts to diversify Canada’s trade beyond the United States. The poll is the sixth in the APF-Angus Reid partnership series.

Source: Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada / Angus Reid Institute, Nov. 10, 2026. Full report