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OTTAWA — Almost 70 per cent of Canadians support a free trade deal with China, a new University of British Columbia poll finds, showing “pragmatism” is on the rise in the age of Trump.

In the next decade, Canadians also predict China will be a bigger economic power, “doing more to maintain peace,” “more stable and predictable” and “doing more to address environmental issues” than the United States — perceptions likely fuelled by President Donald Trump’s administration, according to researchers.

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There remain, however, concerns over Chinese military power and growing influence in Canada — and well over half of Canadians still harbour “unfavourable” views of that country.

As the Canadian government deliberates on whether or not to negotiate a free trade agreement with China, data provided to the Post show the public appear more receptive to this idea than ever before.

A decision on launching negotiations is expected before the end of the year and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is set to rub shoulders with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a visit to Vietnam for the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation summit next month.