Two-thirds of Canadians oppose closer relationship to China, want Huawei banned from 5G development

Both numbers have increased since February, when 57 per cent of respondents opposed both closer relations with China and a Huawei ban, according to a poll conducted by Research Co. Approval of how Canada handled the arrest and extradition case of Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou is also up to 72 per cent, from 63 per cent in February. (The Logic)

Talking point: Opinions are hardening in both countries. In China, consumers, social media users and the government are firmly backing Huawei. Canadians’ souring mood comes despite a massive charm offensive by Huawei, including guided tours of its sensitive research facilities, dozens of sit-down interviews with top executives and even the release of a diary entry from Meng. The high polling numbers around Meng’s case are good news for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as he heads into an election in October, particularly as high-level negotiations between the two nations are largely at a standstill. Chinese leaders have refused to take calls from Trudeau or Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland. Things may change after the  federal election when the government is planning to make a decision on Huawei.