Prime Minister Mark Carney is scheduled to visit China next week, making it the first time a Canadian prime minister has visited the country since 2017. The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) announced that the trip, scheduled from Jan. 13 to 17, will involve Carney holding discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping on matters related to trade, energy, agriculture, and international security.
Carney stated that the global disruption in trade has prompted his government to revamp Canada’s economy from one overly reliant on a single trade partner to one that is more robust and resistant to global instabilities. He emphasized the efforts to establish new partnerships in energy and trade, attract substantial investments, and secure additional opportunities for Canadians.
The meeting between Carney and Xi was initially arranged during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, last October. Additionally, while in China, Carney plans to engage with the country’s premier, Li Qiang, along with other officials.
Following his visit to China, Carney is set to travel to Doha on Jan. 18 for discussions with Qatar’s emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The Prime Minister’s Office disclosed that Carney will then head to Davos, Switzerland, from Jan. 19 to 21 to engage with business leaders at the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting.
The interaction between Canada and China will likely address various trade disputes. In 2024, Canada imposed 100% tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, citing the need to safeguard its domestic automobile sector. Ottawa alleged that China was subsidizing its electric vehicle industry, leading to the influx of low-cost Chinese EVs into global markets, providing an unfair competitive edge.
In response, China imposed a 76% tariff on Canadian canola seed imports and a 100% tariff on canola oil, meal, and peas. Additionally, China placed a 25% tariff on specific Canadian pork, fish, and seafood products.
Former China-based diplomat Michael Kovrig highlighted the ongoing efforts to mend relations between Canada and China. Kovrig, who was previously detained in China and is currently associated with the International Crisis Group, stressed the importance of high-level diplomatic channels in resolving disputes between nations.
Kovrig cautioned against compromising Canada’s national security for economic gains in trade relationships with China. He emphasized the need for Canada to maintain its policy autonomy and diplomatic stance while pursuing expanded trade with China.
The Opposition Conservatives criticized Carney’s frequent international travels, labeling them as wasteful endeavors that do not benefit Canadians. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s office criticized Carney for engaging in extensive international travel, urging him to focus on addressing policies hindering Canada’s economic growth.
Poilievre also expressed concerns about the World Economic Forum, criticizing it as a gathering of global elites aiming to undermine the working class. He vowed to prohibit ministers and government officials from attending the annual meeting if a Conservative government led by him assumes power.