I think your analysis is perfect. We should be wary but not cede the space because of PLA involvement. I would hope as much as their soldiers are trying to pick up tips or insight into us, that we briefed our soldiers to try to pick up insight into them. Intelligence gathering works both ways.
I mean... There is the consideration as you say, that if we aren't participating, we cede the space /info ops wins to China.
Then there is the simple fact that if Canadians want the CAF to keep participating in UN led Peace Keeping/Peace Support operations & training... That will necessarily force CAF troops to collaborate with other nations tyat participate in UN training & missions, including countries like China & the PLA...
We can't engage internationally & avoid having to deal with soldiers from countries we don't like.
I think your analysis is perfect. We should be wary but not cede the space because of PLA involvement. I would hope as much as their soldiers are trying to pick up tips or insight into us, that we briefed our soldiers to try to pick up insight into them. Intelligence gathering works both ways.
"tempête dans un verre d'eau" as we say in French.
I mean... There is the consideration as you say, that if we aren't participating, we cede the space /info ops wins to China.
Then there is the simple fact that if Canadians want the CAF to keep participating in UN led Peace Keeping/Peace Support operations & training... That will necessarily force CAF troops to collaborate with other nations tyat participate in UN training & missions, including countries like China & the PLA...
We can't engage internationally & avoid having to deal with soldiers from countries we don't like.