China and Canada Push for Normalised Relations Amid Past Strains

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met his Canadian counterpart Melanie Joly in Beijing to promote normalising relations. Their discussions covered bilateral relations, accusations of interference, and global issues. Joly's visit is the first in seven years by a Canadian foreign minister. Both nations aim to enhance cooperation in various sectors.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has called for the normalisation of relations between China and Canada during a meeting with his Canadian counterpart Melanie Joly in Beijing. According to a statement from China's Foreign Ministry, Wang emphasised the importance of establishing a strategic partnership between the two nations.

Joly's three-day visit, at Wang's invitation, marks the first trip by a Canadian foreign minister in seven years, following a fallout in bilateral relations. Relations soured in 2018 after the arrest of Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou in Canada, which was followed by China's detention of two Canadians. All three individuals were later released, but allegations of Chinese interference have kept ties strained.

In the meeting, Wang noted that issues relating to Taiwan, Tibet, Xinjiang, and Hong Kong are domestic matters and urged Canada not to interfere. Meanwhile, Joly asserted that Canada would follow the one-China policy and is eager to develop bilateral cooperation in trade, tourism, climate change, and other areas.