Commentary Canada has just received yet another opportunity that would help it refine its approach to China: the news that Dominic Barton has decided to step down as ambassador to China at the end of the year. On Dec. 6, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed his gratitude to Barton for leading Canada’s team with “determination, integrity, and compassion” during a challenging time in Canada-China relations. He praised Barton as an astute “defender of human rights and law” who “worked tirelessly” to facilitate the return of Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig, who were held captive by the Chinese government for over two years in retaliation for the arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wangzhou. In his own statement, Barton said helping to secure the release of the two Michaels was “the honour of a lifetime.” While Barton was eager to take credit for the release of the two Michaels upon Meng’s release—which …