EXCERPT: Mark Carney visits China seeking trade diversification, while carefully balancing relations with Beijing, Washington, and domestic concerns.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is travelling to China on a high-stakes visit aimed at repairing strained ties with Beijing and expanding economic opportunities beyond the United States.
The trip comes as Canada faces continued uncertainty over its trade relationship with the US, its largest export market. While Ottawa is eager to diversify trade, it must do so without provoking Washington, compromising national security, or weakening its stance on human rights.
Senior officials describe the visit as “consequential and historic”, marking the first trip to China by a Canadian prime minister since 2017. The government sees it as part of a bold strategy to double non-US exports over the next decade.
Trade, agriculture and international security will dominate discussions, according to Carney’s office. China’s foreign ministry says both countries share common interests and should strengthen cultural and people-to-people exchanges.
Carney is scheduled to meet Premier Li Qiang and Zhao Leji, chairman of China’s top legislative body, on Thursday, followed by a one-on-one meeting with President Xi Jinping on Friday. The two leaders last met at an APEC summit in South Korea.
The visit represents a major step in rebuilding relations after they collapsed in 2018 following Canada’s arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou on a US warrant. China responded by detaining two Canadians, with all three released in 2021 after Meng reached a deal with US prosecutors.
Relations have remained tense amid allegations of Chinese political interference in Canada, claims Beijing denies. A public inquiry later found limited impact on recent federal elections.
Ottawa continues to view China as an increasingly disruptive global power but acknowledges cooperation is unavoidable given its economic weight. Officials insist the visit does not signal a softening of that stance, while conceding Canada cannot reduce reliance on the US without expanding trade with China.
A key Canadian goal is easing Chinese tariffs on canola imports, which have hurt prairie farmers. The levies are widely seen as retaliation for Canada’s own tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles.
For Beijing, improving ties with Canada offers economic benefits and increased influence near the US. How Washington reacts to any agreements remains uncertain, particularly as Canada prepares for crucial North American trade talks later this year.
Former diplomat Colin Robertson says Canada is pursuing its own interests but is acutely aware the US is watching closely, calling the moment a test of diplomatic realism and balance.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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