BEIJING — Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing as Ottawa and Beijing move to stabilise a relationship battered by years of diplomatic crises and trade disputes, while Canada searches for new markets to lessen dependence on the United States.
Carney’s visit — the first by a sitting Canadian prime minister to China since 2017 — has been described by officials as “consequential” and “historic,” signalling a deliberate attempt to reset ties that deteriorated sharply after Canada arrested Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou in Vancouver in 2018 on a US warrant. The episode triggered a prolonged diplomatic standoff and deepened distrust between the two governments.
In a new political tone, Carney said Canada and China could achieve “historic gains” from a renewed partnership by leveraging their strengths in areas such as agriculture and agri-food, energy and finance — sectors that officials see as core to expanding Canadian exports and investment flows.
Carney arrived in China on Wednesday evening and held talks with Premier Li Qiang on Thursday, ahead of his meeting with Xi. Canadian officials say the trip is aimed at reopening multi-sector dialogue and improving conditions for trade, investment and economic cooperation at a time when global commerce is being reshaped by renewed tariff pressure and strategic competition.
The visit also comes as Ottawa pursues a broader diversification strategy. The Canadian government has said it wants to “double” exports to non-US markets and build a “more independent” economy, while acknowledging that security concerns and human-rights issues will remain part of its China policy.
Despite warmer rhetoric, significant friction points persist. Canadian industries have pressed for relief from Chinese trade penalties affecting key exports, while Ottawa has faced domestic debate over the risks of deeper economic engagement with China. Beijing, for its part, has signalled interest in stronger ties with a G7 economy as it seeks to diversify partnerships in a more fragmented global environment.
Carney is expected to leave Beijing for Doha on Saturday, January 18, for talks with Qatar’s emir, continuing a wider itinerary focused on trade, investment and strategic partnerships.
