By Brian Spegele

On his recent sweep through Asia, Canada’s Foreign Minister John Baird spoke to Beijing-based WSJ correspondent Brian Spegele about the Egypt's change of leadership. As Washington remains careful about its official reaction to the ouster of former President Mohammed Morsi, Mr. Baird—famously blunt—said that Canada prefers “democratic transitions,” but an active military role in Egyptian politics enjoys support there. Mr. Morsi is “accountable for his own actions,” Mr. Baird said. Here is an edited transcript of what he said:

WSJ: Do you condemn or support actions taken by the Egyptian military?

Mr. Baird: The military coup is obviously in response to a large and significant … uprising. Obviously our first message is to call for calm and restraint. We don’t want to see violence be used.