Prime Minister Mark Carney aims to recalibrate 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 meeting signifies the first interaction between the leaders since diplomatic tensions escalated due to the 2018 apprehension of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou following a U.S. extradition request, leading to the detainment of two Canadians, Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, by Beijing.
Carney, during a discussion with journalists at the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, affirmed the scheduled meeting as the initiation of a broader dialogue. He referenced his recent encounter with Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the UN General Assembly, emphasizing that the discussions will encompass various topics, including the commercial relationship and the global system’s evolution.
Expressing anticipation for the forthcoming meeting with President Xi, Carney highlighted the potential for enhancing relations, hinting at the chance of revising investment restrictions on Chinese capital imposed by the previous Liberal government under Justin Trudeau. Additionally, he hinted at the possibility of negotiating a free trade agreement with China or lifting tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, which were concurrently initiated by Canada and the United States in 2024.
Carney acknowledged the significance of China as Canada’s second-largest trading partner and one of the world’s most influential economies, stressing the ample opportunities for advancement in the strained relationship. The last formal encounter between a Canadian prime minister and Xi occurred in 2017, culminating in an unsuccessful attempt to establish a trade deal. Subsequent events, including Meng’s arrest and the detention of Canadian citizens, further exacerbated tensions.
Recent retaliatory actions by Beijing, such as imposing sanctions in response to Canadian tariffs on Chinese goods, have added strain to the relationship. Carney remarked that the current state of relations is at a low point, emphasizing the potential for substantial amelioration moving forward.
