Trudeau refrains from calling Xi a 'dictator,' highlights Canada's gradual approach to China

During a recent summit in San Francisco, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau avoided labeling China's President as a dictator, a term used by U.S. President Joe Biden.

Addressing reporters in French and speaking about Canada's current approach to China as a gradual engagement, Trudeau expressed hope for a future meeting with Xi, indicating that the time for such a meeting has not yet arrived, as reported by The Globe and Mail.

In contrast, the U.S. and China, represented by Biden and Xi, conducted extensive discussions aimed at improving their strained relations. They reached an agreement to reinstate high-level military communications, and China committed to combating the illegal export of fentanyl-related substances.

While Biden openly referred to Xi as a dictator, Trudeau avoided using the term. In 2013, Trudeau had expressed admiration for China’s ability to rapidly transform its economy, citing its "basic dictatorship."

However, in his recent statements, Trudeau acknowledged China as a one-party state but steered clear of categorizing it as a democracy. He elaborated that China operates under an authoritarian regime without directly referring to Xi as a dictator.

“China’s a one-party state. I don’t think anyone would call it a democracy,” Trudeau said on Friday, avoiding calling Xi a dictator.

When asked a second time, Trudeau stated:

Listen we can get into all sorts of different definitions. The fact is he is not running a democracy. It’s an authoritarian state.