Chinese President Xi Jinping has extended an invitation to Prime Minister Mark Carney to visit China following their meeting at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea. The invitation signifies a positive shift in relations between the two nations. Carney graciously accepted the invitation, expressing his anticipation for the visit, which would mark the first official visit by a Canadian prime minister since Justin Trudeau’s trade talks attempt in 2017.
During the meeting, Carney emphasized the importance of constructive dialogue in addressing current issues and exploring opportunities for collaboration between the countries. The diplomatic engagement aims to pave the way for a more sustainable and inclusive international system.
The meeting between Xi and Carney comes as Canada transitions from viewing China as a disruptive global power to recognizing it as a strategic partner in a volatile global environment. Carney faces pressure from certain provincial leaders to lift the 100% tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, with Beijing linking this action to the cessation of retaliatory tariffs on Canadian agricultural products.
China has urged Canada to focus on shared objectives and move away from past tensions related to foreign interference and the detention of two Canadians in 2018. The dialogue between the leaders is seen as a crucial step in recalibrating the bilateral relationship.