Canada-China relations

China hails a “turning point” in relations with Canada

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is on a state visit to China, where President Xi Jinping is hailing what he describes as a “turning point” in relations between the countries, reports the BBC.

Xi says it is a big difference compared to when the two leaders last met in South Korea a year ago.

Mark Carney also describes the relationship as a “new partnership,” writes The Guardian.

“Together we can build on the best of what the relationship has been and shape something new, adapted to today’s global realities,” Carney tells Xi Jinping.

Relations between Canada and China deteriorated after Canada arrested Meng Wanzhou, the daughter of Huawei’s founder, in 2018. Since then, the countries have slapped each other with tariffs, and Canada has accused China of trying to influence its election.

Mark Carney has said he is seeking a change of course, and China has indicated that they may consider improving relations.

Xi Jinping: “Healthy for world peace”

The relationship between China and Canada appears to be thawing, something that Chinese leader Xi Jinping describes as important for world peace, reports the BBC.

“We are willing to continue our efforts, with a responsible attitude towards history, our people and the world, to further improve relations between China and Canada,” Xi Jinping tells Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

Carney, who is on a state visit to China, has previously said that he wants to turn the relationship between the countries around for the better and calls today’s meeting a new chapter, according to The Guardian.

While the tone is conciliatory, the Canadian delegation is reportedly under pressure at home. They are expected to address the case of imprisoned media mogul Jimmy Lai, who Canada has demanded be released, as well as questions about China's alleged interference in the Canadian election, writes the BBC.

Analysis: Carney's visit shows the cost of Trump's tactics

The relationship between China and Canada is thawing and a preliminary trade agreement was signed on Friday. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney describes it as a "huge step forward" in the work of restoring economic ties between the countries.

The BBC's Suranjana Tewari writes in an analysis that Carney also pointed to a broader change in how global trade is expected to work in the future. According to Carney, institutions such as the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will play a smaller role in the future.

“This is something that many leaders and experts have discussed, especially in the wake of US tariffs and trade disputes that have hit global supply chains hard,” Tewari writes.

Rachel Bronson writes in an analysis for the Chicago Council on Global Affairs that Carney’s visit to China shows the costs of Trump’s so-called “Donroe Doctrine.”

She highlights, among other things, that Trump’s threat to make Canada the 51st state of the US and the threats against Greenland have been taken seriously by Canadians.