Canada launches new Indo-Pacific strategy

Canada launched a new Indo-Pacific strategy yesterday, vowing more resources to deal with a "disruptive" China while working with the world's second-biggest economy on climate change and trade issues. In a 26-page document, Canada said it would boost its military presence in the region and tighten investment rules to protect intellectual property and prevent Chinese state-owned enterprises from snapping up critical mineral supplies. The long-awaited plan is a blueprint to deepen ties with a fast-growing region of 40 countries accounting for almost $37.4 trillion in economic activity. But the focus is on China, at a time when bilateral ties are frosty. "China is an increasingly disruptive global power," said the strategy. "China is looking to shape the international order into a more permissive environment for interests and values that increasingly depart from ours," it said.