Canada is accelerating efforts to strengthen its relationship with China, according to the country's ambassador in Beijing, who described recent diplomatic developments as a significant turning point between the two nations.
Leaders' Meeting Marks Diplomatic Breakthrough
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Chinese President Xi Jinping held their first formal bilateral meeting in eight years during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders' Meeting in Gyeongju, Republic of Korea, in late October. This marked the first Canada-China leaders' meeting since 2017, signaling a major shift in diplomatic engagement between the two countries.
According to statements from the Prime Minister's Office, both leaders acknowledged the 55-year history of diplomatic relations and trade between Canada and China. They mutually agreed that their October meeting represented a crucial turning point in the bilateral relationship, directing their officials to resolve outstanding trade issues that have strained relations in recent years.
Trade and Cooperation Framework
The two leaders have tasked their officials with addressing several specific trade concerns, including disputes over canola, seafood, and electric vehicles. Additionally, they discussed establishing a framework to deepen cooperation in multiple sectors, including clean and conventional energy, climate change initiatives, manufacturing, and international finance.
Ambassador Jennifer May, speaking at a reception marking the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Canada and China, confirmed that Prime Minister Carney has accepted Beijing's invitation to visit China at a mutually convenient time. The reception was co-hosted by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the Canadian embassy in Beijing.
Economic Significance and Future Prospects
China remains Canada's second-largest trading partner, serving as both the second-largest source of imports and the second-largest export market for Canadian goods. Recent trade statistics reveal encouraging trends, with Canadian exports to China increasing by 7.8 percent year-on-year during the first eight months of this year.
The relationship has shown concrete progress with Canada beginning to export liquefied natural gas to China in April of this year. Ambassador May emphasized that despite global uncertainty and economic volatility, significant opportunities exist for enhanced economic cooperation. She noted the prime minister's commitment to doubling Canada's non-U.S. exports over the next decade, which would necessarily involve increased engagement with major economies like China.
Chinese officials have responded positively to these developments. Yang Wanming, president of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, expressed appreciation for the proactive stance of Canada's new government in promoting improved bilateral relations. He emphasized the need to translate the leaders' consensus into concrete actions that would steer relations back to a healthy, stable, and sustainable path.
