Prime Minister Mark Carney has arrived in Beijing, marking the first visit by a Canadian prime minister to China in eight years.
He is set to meet senior Chinese leaders this week, including President Xi Jinping, and attend a business event. The trip comes after years of strained relations, following China’s detention of two Canadians in 2019 after a Chinese executive was arrested in Vancouver.
Carney says his goal is to improve trade and work with China on environmental issues, while protecting Canada’s national security and Arctic interests.
A key issue is China’s tariffs on Canadian pork, canola and seafood, which were imposed after Canada placed tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, steel and aluminum. Some provincial leaders hope the tariffs will be lifted, while others worry about protecting Canada’s auto industry.
Experts say the visit could be important as Canada looks to rebuild ties with China and expand trade beyond the United States, despite ongoing concerns over human rights, security and foreign interference.
