"We can jointly build upon the best values of the past to forge a new relationship aligned with global realities," Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated during his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping today at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

According to Carney, engagement and cooperation will form the "foundation for a new strategic partnership" between the two nations. "Agriculture, energy, and finance are areas where both countries can achieve the fastest progress," the Canadian Prime Minister added.

Xi stated that China-Canada relations reached a turning point at their most recent meeting on the sidelines of the APEC summit in 10/2025.

"It can be said that that meeting opened a new chapter in improving China-Canada relations. The healthy and stable development of bilateral ties will serve the common interests of both our countries," the Chinese President said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (right) and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the Great Hall of the People, Beijing on 16/1. *Photo: AFP*

Relations between Canada and China deteriorated in 2018 when Canadian authorities arrested Meng Wanzhou, daughter of Huawei's founder, at the request of the US. China retaliated by detaining two Canadian citizens on espionage charges.

The two countries imposed tariffs on each other's exports in subsequent years. China was also accused of interfering in Canadian elections, but Beijing denied the allegations.

After taking office in 3/2025, Prime Minister Carney sought to improve relations with China to reduce dependence on the US, Ottawa's key economic partner, as President Donald Trump aggressively increased tariffs on Canadian products. China also expressed readiness to bring the relationship "back on track."

During his state visit to China, Carney also met with Prime Minister Li Qiang and is expected to meet with business leaders to discuss trade.

Canada, a steadfast US ally, was heavily impacted by the high tariffs Trump imposed on steel, aluminum, automobiles, and lumber. In 10/2025, Carney stated that Canada should double its exports to other countries by 2035 to reduce reliance on the US.

However, the US remains Canada's largest market, importing about 75% of Canadian goods in 2024, according to Canadian government data. Ottawa emphasizes China as Canada's second-largest market, but the world's second-largest economy purchased less than 4% of Canada's exports in 2024.

Canadian and US officials have negotiated to reduce tariffs and promote bilateral trade, but no agreement has been reached yet.

Huyen Le (According to AFP)