Beijing, January 15, 2026 – Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has praised the strengthening of Canada-China relations, emphasizing the leadership of President Xi Jinping and highlighting a renewed spirit of strategic cooperation between the two nations. Carney’s remarks came during the first official visit to China by a Canadian prime minister since 2017, signaling a thaw in diplomatic and economic tensions that had built up over the past decade.

“We’re heartened by the leadership of President Xi Jinping and the speed with which our relationship has progressed,” Carney told China’s top legislator, Zhao Leji, during a high-level meeting in Beijing.
“It sets the stage for important discussions on a wide range of issues where we can be strategic partners—from energy to agriculture, to people-to-people ties, multilateralism, and security matters.”

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First Prime Ministerial Visit to China Since 2017

Carney’s four-day visit follows a positive bilateral meeting with Xi in South Korea in October 2025, and represents Canada’s latest efforts to recalibrate relations with China, which had soured under the previous prime minister, Justin Trudeau.

Carney highlighted the importance of multilateral engagement, trade partnerships, and diplomatic dialogue in a period marked by global division and disorder. His meetings with senior Chinese officials focused on restoring trust, addressing previous trade disputes, and creating platforms for new economic opportunities.

“Our teams have worked hard, addressing trade irritants and creating platforms for new opportunities,” Carney said in a separate meeting with Premier Li Qiang.
“I believe that together, we are bringing this relationship back toward where it should be.”

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Trade Disputes and Auto Tariffs

Relations between Canada and China have faced strains in recent years, including trade disputes over electric vehicles (EVs) and agricultural products. In 2024, Trudeau imposed tariffs on Chinese EVs, citing unfair state subsidies that disadvantaged Canadian manufacturers.

In retaliation, China imposed tariffs on more than $2.6 billion worth of Canadian farm and food products, including canola oil and meal, contributing to a 10.4% drop in Chinese imports of Canadian goods in 2025.

Carney’s visit aims to resolve ongoing trade disputes while exploring new avenues for cooperation. Industry Minister Melanie Joly, part of Carney’s delegation, confirmed that negotiations on EV tariffs would continue, with potential adjustments under discussion during Carney’s planned Friday meeting with Xi.

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Trade and Economic Roadmap

During Carney’s visit, Canada and China signed a comprehensive trade and economic roadmap, committing to:

• Maintain open channels of communication to resolve trade and investment issues.
• Facilitate Chinese investments in energy, agriculture, and consumer products.
• Promote Canadian investment in services, new materials, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing.
• Explore cooperation in oil, gas, and natural uranium trade, alongside renewable energy technologies.

“This roadmap provides an example to the world of cooperation amidst a time globally of division and disorder,” Carney said, emphasizing the strategic importance of Canada-China ties.

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Business Engagements

Since arriving in Beijing on Wednesday, Carney has met with executives from major Chinese companies to discuss investment, technology, and energy partnerships, including:

• Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL) – a leading EV battery manufacturer.
• China National Petroleum Corp (CNPC) – focusing on energy collaboration.
• Envision Energy – a smart wind turbine producer.
• Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) – investment discussions.
• Primavera Capital Group – private equity and investment opportunities.
• Alibaba – e-commerce and technology sector dialogue.

These engagements underscore Canada’s commitment to deepening trade, investment, and technological collaboration with China, while also fostering people-to-people ties and cultural exchange.

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Significance for Global Diplomacy

Carney’s visit reflects a broader effort to diversify Canada’s economic partnerships, particularly in light of US trade tariffs and political tensions under President Donald Trump. Trump had previously imposed tariffs on Canadian exports and suggested that Canada could become the US’s 51st state, creating an urgent need for Ottawa to secure alternative markets and strengthen relations with China.

The renewed focus on cooperation with China also highlights Canada’s strategy to balance economic growth, geopolitical interests, and global multilateralism, ensuring that both countries can work together on energy, trade, and security issues amid a turbulent global landscape.