During a historic diplomatic meeting in Ottawa on Friday, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his Canadian counterpart that the nation could potentially exceed its ambitious trade expansion goals with China by 2030.
Speaking with Canada’s Foreign Minister Anita Anand, Wang Yi suggested that Canadian exports to China might grow by 100%, surpassing the country’s current objective of a 50% increase by the end of the decade. He pointed to growing momentum in bilateral relations as the foundation for this optimistic projection.
“Canada is focused on growing our economy and diversifying our trading relationships,” Anand stated during their discussions. “The Canada-China economic relationship is significant,” she added.
Wang Yi’s three-day diplomatic mission marks the first time a Chinese foreign minister has visited Canada in a decade, representing a significant step toward improving relations between the two nations. On Friday afternoon, he met privately with Prime Minister Mark Carney following a handshake ceremony.
The countries established an initial trade agreement in January that reduces tariffs on electric vehicles and canola products. This deal came during Carney’s groundbreaking trip to China, making him the first Canadian prime minister to visit the country since 2017.
As Canada’s second-largest trading partner, China plays a crucial role in Carney’s strategy to decrease his nation’s heavy dependence on the United States. Following tariff impositions by U.S. President Donald Trump on Canada, a traditional ally, Carney has pledged to double Canadian exports to alternative markets within the next ten years. His administration has negotiated over 20 economic and security agreements in the past year alone.
During a Thursday speech in New York, Carney advocated for a “new partnership” with the U.S., arguing that a stronger Canada would “help make America great again.”
The Chinese foreign minister’s Ottawa visit follows the Canadian warship HMCS Charlottetown’s routine passage through the Taiwan Strait on May 23. China expressed strong opposition on Friday to any nation’s attempts to challenge its sovereignty and security “under the pretext of freedom of navigation.”
Earlier this month, Conservative lawmaker Michael Chong traveled to Taiwan for meetings with Taiwanese President Dr. Lai Ching-te and other high-ranking officials.
In his official statement, Chong explained that his visit aimed to “show solidarity with a democracy at the front lines of intimidation from the People’s Republic of China” and to defend Canada’s sovereignty. His trip came after the Chinese ambassador to Canada issued warnings regarding politicians visiting Taiwan.
