On August 14, 2025, the Macdonald-Laurier Institute hosted a private roundtable discussion on Canada’s evolving role in the Indo-Pacific, bringing together senior representatives from the diplomatic community, government, the private sector, and academia.
The discussion assessed how shifting global dynamics since 2022 have reshaped opportunities for Canada in the Indo-Pacific region, how US–China competition complicates Canada’s diversification efforts, and how ASEAN can serve as a key partner in bridging this challenge to address these challenges.
Several key themes emerged during the discussion: ASEAN’s concerns that Canada risks treating the region as a secondary option; that Canadian efforts are not sustained; the need to broaden Canada’s focus beyond Japan and South Korea; and the importance of moving from strategy to visible presence on the ground.
Participants also noted the limited role of the private sector in Canada’s Indo-Pacific approach. Strengthening the involvement of SMEs and innovative sectors such as the digital economy and artificial intelligence was highlighted as essential for building sustainable supply chains and tapping into ASEAN’s young, educated markets.
The roundtable underscored that Canada must engage the Indo-Pacific as a committed partner, not merely as a counterbalance to China. Building meaningful relationships will require artful government commitment leading to stronger domestic buy-in, particularly from Canadian businesses, to fully realize the opportunities offered by this dynamic region.
