Prime Minister Mark Carney aims to reshape Canada’s ties 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 engagement between both nations since the diplomatic fallout triggered by the arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou in 2018, following a US extradition request, which led to the detention of Canadians Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor by Beijing.
Carney disclosed the planned meeting during discussions with journalists at the conclusion of the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, emphasizing that it signifies the beginning of a broader dialogue. He alluded to his recent discussions with Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the UN General Assembly, highlighting that the agenda will encompass diverse topics such as the commercial partnership and the evolution of the global system.
Anticipating the rendezvous with President Xi, Carney expressed his optimism for the talks. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump is also eyeing a meeting with Xi following the establishment of a trade deal framework between the two nations this week.
Carney hinted at the possibility of easing investment restrictions imposed on Chinese capital by the previous government under Justin Trudeau and remained open to exploring a free trade agreement with China or lifting tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, which Canada imposed in 2024 concurrently with the United States.
Acknowledging the significance of the relationship, Carney underscored that China stands as Canada’s second-largest trading partner, the world’s second-largest economy, and a global powerhouse. Reflecting on past engagements, the last official meeting between a Canadian prime minister and Xi occurred in 2017, failing to culminate in a trade pact.
The deteriorating relationship post-2017 saw tensions escalate with Meng’s arrest and the subsequent detentions, leading to reciprocal sanctions and trade disputes. Carney recognized the need for substantial improvement in relations, emphasizing that despite the challenges, there is potential for progress from the current low point.