What’s on the Agenda? Canadian PM Mark Carney’s Historic Visit to China

Canadian Prime Minister's Diplomatic Mission to Beijing

On Wednesday evening, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney touched down in Beijing, embarking on a four-day mission aimed at mending the strained ties between Canada and China. This visit marks the first time in nearly ten years that a Canadian leader has set foot in China.

During his stay, Carney is scheduled to engage in discussions with Premier Li Qiang and President Xi Jinping, focusing on enhancing bilateral relations.

Chinese state media has urged Canada to pursue a foreign policy that is less influenced by the United States, advocating for what they term 'strategic autonomy.'

Historically, Canada has been one of the United States' closest allies, but Beijing is optimistic that the recent economic and military assertiveness from the Trump administration may weaken this bond. Trump has previously suggested that Canada could potentially become the 51st state of the U.S.

Carney's agenda emphasizes trade, viewing this trip as a crucial step towards establishing new global partnerships to reduce Canada's economic dependency on the U.S. market.

The former U.S. President imposed tariffs on Canadian exports, further straining relations. In response, the Chinese government reacted negatively to Biden's attempts to strengthen alliances with countries like Canada, Australia, and India to counter China's influence.

The deterioration of relations began with the 2018 arrest of a Chinese tech executive at the request of the U.S. and escalated when Canada, under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, imposed a 100% tariff on Chinese electric vehicles in 2024, mirroring Biden's policies. In retaliation, China has enacted tariffs on various Canadian exports, including canola, seafood, and pork.

Carney previously met with Xi at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea last October.