Prime Minister Mark Carney is aiming to recalibrate Canada’s interactions with China during his upcoming meeting with President Xi Jinping at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea. This encounter marks the first high-level dialogue between the two nations since tensions escalated after the arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou in 2018 and the subsequent detainment of two Canadians, Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, by Beijing.
Carney, speaking to the media at the conclusion of the ASEAN summit in Malaysia, confirmed the scheduled meeting and described it as the beginning of a broader conversation. He mentioned a recent discussion with Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the UN General Assembly, highlighting the wide-ranging topics to be addressed, such as the commercial ties and the global system’s development.
The Prime Minister expressed anticipation for his meeting with President Xi, underscoring the significance of the discussions. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump is also seeking a meeting with Xi as both countries announced progress on a potential trade agreement.
Carney hinted at potential changes in investment restrictions on Chinese capital implemented by the previous administration under Justin Trudeau. He didn’t dismiss the possibility of negotiating a free trade pact with China or reconsidering the tariffs imposed on Chinese electric vehicles in 2024, aligning with the U.S.
Acknowledging China as Canada’s second-largest trading partner and a major global player, Carney emphasized the need to rebuild the strained relationship, citing ample opportunities for improvement.
The last official engagement between a Canadian Prime Minister and Xi took place in 2017, where attempts to secure a trade deal faltered. Subsequent events, including Meng’s arrest and the detention of Canadian citizens, further strained the relationship, leading to reciprocal sanctions and trade disputes between the two nations.
Carney acknowledged the starting point of strained relations but expressed optimism about the potential for significant enhancements moving forward.
