China calls for a fresh start in partnership with Canada

14:30

By: Sahili Aya

China calls for a fresh start in partnership with Canada

China has called for a renewed phase of cooperation with Canada, signaling a possible reset in relations after years of diplomatic tension. Speaking on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged his Canadian counterpart Anita Anand to “restart” exchanges and collaboration across multiple sectors.

According to a statement from China’s foreign ministry, Wang expressed Beijing’s willingness to remove obstacles and deepen dialogue. He described recent high-level contacts as productive and emphasized the need to build what he called a “new type of strategic partnership.”

The meeting follows a visit to China in January by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, during which a preliminary trade agreement was signed. The trip was widely seen as a step toward repairing ties that had deteriorated in recent years.

Bilateral relations between Beijing and Ottawa had been strained since 2018, when Meng Wanzhou, a senior executive of Huawei, was arrested in Vancouver. Shortly afterward, China detained two Canadian citizens on espionage charges, a move Ottawa described as retaliatory.

Recent developments, including Beijing’s decision to overturn a death sentence previously imposed on a Canadian national in a drug-related case, have been interpreted by observers as signs of easing tensions.

However, the renewed dialogue takes place against the backdrop of pressure from the United States, which has warned of potential tariffs should Canada and China finalize a comprehensive trade agreement. Washington has expressed concerns over increased flows of Chinese goods into North America.

The latest exchanges suggest both Beijing and Ottawa are exploring ways to stabilize and modernize their relationship while navigating complex geopolitical dynamics.