Poll: Canadians warming to China and India, with 69% saying stronger ties with China matter

A new poll released on 10 November by the Angus Reid Institute, in partnership with the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, finds Canadians warming to China and India as US tariffs push Ottawa to diversify its trade. Sixty-nine per cent of respondents said developing a stronger relationship with China is important; the figures for India, Japan and South Korea were 61%, 87% and 76% respectively.

Favourable views of China up 23 points in two years, but a majority still view it negatively

The share of Canadians with a favourable view of China has risen from 15% in November 2024 to 38%, a gain of 23 percentage points in two years; favourable views of India rose from 26% to 36%. Even so, views of China remain mostly negative: 53% of Canadians say they view the country unfavourably. Sentiment toward Japan and South Korea is far warmer, with about 88% viewing Japan favourably and about three-quarters viewing South Korea positively. The survey was conducted online from 29 October to 4 November 2026 among 1,609 Canadian adults.

Carney's trip this week ends at APEC in Shenzhen

The poll was released as Prime Minister Mark Carney begins a new round of travel this week to continue diversifying Canada's trade beyond the United States. The trip begins with a landing in Ireland to continue work toward becoming an associate member of the European Union, and concludes with Carney's second visit to China in 2026, to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting in Shenzhen. It is the second consecutive fall in which Carney has travelled across the Pacific to deepen ties with Southeast Asia.

Southeast Asia is viewed warmly, but few call for closer trade ties

The poll also found that, although Canadians view Southeast Asia positively and support the government's efforts to connect with the region, only 10% said it is an area where Canada should be developing closer trade ties, well below other regions. Source: Angus Reid Institute, 10 November 2026.