Beijing: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized the need for bilateral relations with China that reflect 'new global realities' during his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. 'We're focusing on areas where we can make historic gains, in agriculture, in energy, in finance, that's where we can make the most immediate progress,' Carney stated at the beginning of the meeting.
According to Anadolu Agency, Carney expressed a desire to build on past relations to forge a new partnership that delivers stability, security, and prosperity for both nations. He highlighted the importance of improving the multilateral system, which he noted has been under considerable strain recently. Carney's trip to China underscores Canada's efforts to diversify its trading partnerships and reduce reliance on the United States.
The Canadian prime minister's visit comes in the wake of US tariffs and a military raid in Venezuela by the Trump administration, alongside threats to annex Canada as a US state. Beijing's imposition of tariffs on Canada followed Ottawa's duties on Chinese electric vehicles, steel, and aluminum. Carney's goal is to double non-US exports over the next decade.
Chinese President Xi Jinping described the meeting as a 'turning point' for China-Canada relations, referencing their last encounter in South Korea. Xi noted the progress made in recent discussions between the two countries' agencies and emphasized the mutual benefits of a stable relationship. He expressed China's readiness to work with Canada responsibly to advance their relationship positively.
Prior to meeting Xi, Carney held discussions with Premier Li Qiang, who showed interest in strengthening cooperation with Canada. A joint statement following the meeting outlined commitments to a "new strategic partnership" and reaffirmed Canada's adherence to its one-China policy.
The statement also underscored both nations' dedication to multilateralism, the UN's pivotal role in international affairs, and maintaining a stable global trading system. Additionally, memoranda of understanding were signed on economic and trade cooperation, energy collaboration, combating crimes, and other areas.
Carney's visit, marking the first by a Canadian prime minister to China in eight years, follows former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's 2017 visit. The Canadian delegation aims to enhance engagement in trade, energy, agriculture, and international security. Since establishing relations in 1970, Canada and China have seen their bilateral trade volume reach $67 billion by the end of 2024.