The 180

Why Trudeau should establish ties with North Korea

A Canadian living in China argues Prime Minister Justin Trudeau needs to follow the example his father set by establishing diplomatic relations with China, to bring North Korea into the global community.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un watches the test-fire of a strategic submarine underwater ballistic missile (not pictured), in this undated photo released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency in Pyongyang on May 9, 2015. (North Korean Central News Agency/Reuters)

In 1970, Pierre Elliot Trudeau established diplomatic relations with China, making Canada one of the first Western countries to do so. 

Now, a Canadian who has been living and working in China for 30 years says it's time for the younger Trudeau do the same with North Korea. 

John Gruetzner argues Canada has a vested interest in removing conflict globally.

"It's in no one's interests to have states that are functioning outside of global norms," he says. 

Gruetzner acknowledges the comparison between North Korea and China is not ideal, but he says the critical element is that each country is unique and requires a unique diplomatic dialogue accordingly. 

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