China's alignment with Carney on Greenland signals a shifting world order

Prime Minister Mark Carney said he found "much alignment" with President Xi on Greenland after meeting in Beijing, and experts note Canada now shares some positions with China on Arctic sovereignty amid changing geopolitics.

Prime Minister Mark Carney told reporters after meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping that he found "much alignment" with Xi on Greenland and Arctic sovereignty. The exchange came as Canada responds to international debate over Greenland and shifting U.S. policy. Analysts describe Carney's approach as pragmatic and interest-based, framing it as part of a response to what he called a "new world order." The meeting is being discussed in the context of Canada's broader effort to diversify strategic and economic relationships. Known details: - Carney said he and Xi discussed Greenland, Arctic sovereignty, and the sovereignty of the people of Greenland and Denmark, and that they found "much alignment." - Some analysts say Canada and China now share a policy position of maintaining the status quo on Greenland, in contrast with statements from U.S. leadership about annexation. - Carney previously described China as Canada's "biggest security threat" during the 2025 campaign and has since announced a strategic partnership with Beijing. - Outstanding issues between Canada and China remain, including reported attempts at election interference and the execution of four Canadians on drug charges, which commentators note complicate the relationship. - Experts caution that shared language on specific issues does not necessarily mean shared objectives, and call for broader diversification beyond China. Summary: Observers say the meeting and the new Canada–China strategic partnership reflect a pragmatic shift in Canadian foreign policy as Ottawa navigates a less unipolar international environment. The alignment on Greenland highlights selective agreement with Beijing on Arctic matters, while unresolved political concerns persist; what follows from this diplomatic posture is undetermined at this time.