Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to embark on a trip to China next week, marking the first visit to the country by a Canadian prime minister since 2017. The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) announced that the journey from Jan. 13 to 17 will involve Carney meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss various topics such as trade, energy, agriculture, and international security.
Carney emphasized the need for Canada to diversify its economy in response to global trade disruptions, moving away from dependence on a single trade partner to foster resilience against global shocks. He highlighted the establishment of new energy and trade partnerships, significant investment attraction, and increased opportunities for Canadians as key objectives of these efforts.
During the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, in October, Carney had a sideline meeting with Xi, where he accepted an invitation for the upcoming visit. In China, Carney will also engage with Premier Li Qiang and other officials before heading to Doha on Jan. 18 for a meeting with Qatar’s Emir. Subsequently, he will attend the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, from Jan. 19 to 21 to interact with business leaders.
The meeting between Carney and Xi is expected to address lingering trade tensions between Canada and China, including tariffs imposed on Chinese electric vehicles by Canada and subsequent retaliatory measures by China on Canadian agricultural and other products. This ongoing trade dispute reflects a broader recalibration of relations between the two countries, characterized by diplomatic challenges.
Former China-based diplomat Michael Kovrig highlighted the significance of high-level diplomatic channels to resolve disputes and improve Canada-China relations, acknowledging the complexities involved. He cautioned against compromising national security or policy autonomy in pursuit of economic gains, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach in engaging with China.
Critics, including the Opposition Conservatives, have raised concerns about the frequency of Carney’s international travels, questioning the effectiveness of these trips in delivering tangible benefits for Canadians. The latest journey was criticized as an unnecessary expenditure of resources for personal networking, without substantial gains for the country. Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre voiced skepticism about international forums like the World Economic Forum, advocating for a more focused domestic policy agenda to address pressing challenges faced by Canadians.
Overall, Carney’s upcoming visit to China and subsequent engagements reflect Canada’s efforts to navigate complex trade dynamics and diplomatic relationships in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
