Canada and China Forge New Path in Global Turmoil

Prime Minister Mark Carney's visit to China, the first since 2017, highlights a renewed collaboration between Canada and China. This cooperation comes during a time of global division, and aims to diversify trade and resolve issues, especially in energy and agriculture sectors.

Prime Minister Mark Carney commended the evolving relationship between Canada and China, highlighting President Xi Jinping's leadership. Carney's four-day visit marks the first by a Canadian prime minister to China since 2017. The visit follows his productive meeting with Xi in South Korea last October.

Carney expressed optimism on the rapid progress of mutual relations, which had chilled under Canada's previous leadership. He emphasized strategic partnerships in energy, agriculture, and multilateralism during his meeting with China's top legislator, Zhao Leji, in Beijing. The dialogue gains momentum amidst a global push for diversified markets, following trade tensions with the U.S.

Efforts to rejuvenate trade have included talks on auto tariffs imposed under the previous administration. A newly signed trade roadmap promises open communication, with Canada welcoming Chinese investments and vice versa. Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson affirmed China's interest in Canadian energy supplies. Carney's engagements in China included meetings with business leaders from various sectors.

(With inputs from agencies.)