Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his intention to reshape Canada’s relationship with China as he prepares to meet President Xi Jinping at the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea. This meeting marks the first interaction between the leaders of both countries since tensions escalated in 2018 following the arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou and the subsequent detention of two Canadians, Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor.
Carney, speaking to reporters at the conclusion of the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, confirmed the planned meeting with President Xi. He emphasized that this meeting signifies the beginning of a broader dialogue, referring to a recent encounter with Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the UN General Assembly.
The discussions between Carney and Xi are expected to encompass various topics, including the commercial ties between the two nations and the global system’s development. Carney expressed his anticipation for the upcoming meeting with President Xi Jinping.
In parallel, U.S. President Donald Trump is also aiming to engage with Xi following the announcement of a framework for a potential trade agreement between the two countries. Carney indicated a willingness to consider lifting investment restrictions on Chinese capital imposed by the previous Liberal government and exploring the possibility of a free trade agreement with China or removing tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, which were initiated in 2024 concurrently with the United States.
Carney acknowledged that rebuilding relationships takes time, particularly when faced with negative changes. He highlighted China’s significance as Canada’s second-largest trading partner and one of the world’s largest economies, underscoring the potential for substantial progress in revitalizing the bilateral relationship.
The most recent formal meeting between a Canadian prime minister and Xi occurred in 2017, during which the Trudeau administration’s efforts to secure a trade deal with China were unsuccessful. Subsequently, the relationship deteriorated following the arrest of Meng and the detention of Kovrig and Spavor, leading to escalating tensions and retaliatory measures between the two countries.
Carney emphasized that despite the current challenges, there is considerable room for improvement in Canada-China relations, aiming to move past the existing low point towards a more constructive partnership.