OTTAWA: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney departed for China on Tuesday to hold talks on trade and international security, marking the first visit by a Canadian leader to Beijing since 2017 after nearly a decade of strained relations.
The high-profile visit comes as Canada faces uncertainty in its ties with the United States due to an ongoing trade dispute and renewed political tensions. Analysts say the trip reflects Ottawa’s efforts to diversify trade partnerships and recalibrate its foreign policy.
Carney agreed to visit China in October last year after meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea. That meeting, while not producing immediate breakthroughs, paved the way for renewed engagement following a period of diplomatic friction that worsened after Canada arrested a senior Huawei executive in 2018.
Senior Canadian officials said the prime minister is expected to sign several memoranda of understanding during the January 14–17 visit. Experts believe the talks could lead to future trade agreements rather than symbolic diplomacy.
Trade, Energy and Canola in Focus
Trade discussions are expected to include increased exports of Canadian crude oil to China. Canada currently exports around 90 percent of its oil to the United States, but possible changes in U.S. import policies could reduce demand for Canadian energy supplies.
Officials cautioned that while progress is expected, China is unlikely to immediately remove tariffs on Canadian canola imports during the visit. China imposed preliminary anti-dumping duties on Canadian canola last year, effectively halting exports to what was once Canada’s largest market.
China’s foreign ministry said Beijing looks forward to deepening mutual trust with Canada during the visit.
Security and Human Rights Concerns
The trip has also reignited debate in Canada over national security and human rights. Experts have warned that closer cooperation with China in sectors such as artificial intelligence and critical minerals could pose security risks.
Canada has previously raised concerns over human rights violations in China, including the detention of activists and allegations of foreign interference.
Despite the concerns, analysts say both countries appear willing to make limited concessions to stabilize relations. China remains Canada’s second-largest trading partner after the United States, highlighting the economic importance of renewed engagement.
