China has signaled willingness to deepen cooperation with Canada while removing “interference” in bilateral relations. The comments came during a meeting between Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Canadian counterpart Anita Anand. This follows Prime Minister Mark Carney’s arrival in Beijing for a four-day state visit, the first by a Canadian leader in nearly a decade.
Carney is scheduled to meet Premier Li Qiang on Thursday and President Xi Jinping on Friday. Wang emphasized that enhanced communication, trust-building, and cooperation would keep relations steady, substantive, and robust. Anand responded that both countries aim to make short- and long-term progress for the benefit of their peoples.
Read more: Canadian PM seeks reset with China amid US tensions
Relations have been tense since 2017, with notable disputes over tariffs. Trudeau’s government imposed tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles in 2024, prompting Beijing to retaliate with duties on $2.6 billion of Canadian agricultural products. These actions led to a 10.4% drop in Canadian exports to China in 2025.
Carney’s visit follows a positive meeting with Xi in South Korea last October, signaling a mutual desire to reset ties. Both countries also seek to diversify trade and reduce reliance on the United States, amid ongoing US-Canada trade tensions.
Read more: China seeks stronger ties with Canada amid trade disputes
The state visit highlights China and Canada’s intention to strengthen diplomacy, expand trade, and stabilize regional and global ties. Officials say the upcoming meetings could set the tone for a new era in bilateral relations.