The Canadian government, after a decade of neglect, is prepared to re-engage East Asia, particularly China. Through maritime defence and cooperation endeavours, Canada’s re-engagement efforts could improve the region’s strategic stability and foster economic growth. Including maritime diplomacy on its economically oriented regional re-engagement strategy would signal that Canada is making a determined return to the region, building the reputation it will need to become a member of East Asia’s premier institutions, and, eventually, create closer economic ties with East Asia. Maritime diplomacy is essential to Canada’s broader regional strategy.
