MENA Newswire, OTTAWA: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is scheduled to visit the People’s Republic of China from January 13 to January 17, according to an official announcement from his office. The visit will include meetings in Beijing and other Chinese cities and will mark the first trip to China by a Canadian prime minister in more than eight years. The government said the visit will focus on bilateral engagement and discussions with senior Chinese officials and business representatives.
The Prime Minister’s Office said Carney is expected to hold talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang and other members of China’s leadership. The meetings are set to cover a range of bilateral issues, including trade, agriculture, energy and matters related to international affairs. Officials said the visit was arranged following an invitation extended during earlier leader-level engagement between the two countries.
China is Canada’s second-largest trading partner, and trade between the two countries includes agricultural products, energy-related commodities and manufactured goods. Canadian officials said the visit will include engagements aimed at addressing commercial ties and existing trade measures affecting both sides. Business roundtables and meetings with industry representatives are also planned as part of the visit.
Relations between Canada and China have faced periods of strain in recent years. Diplomatic tensions escalated in 2018 following the arrest in Canada of a senior executive from a Chinese technology firm at the request of the United States, an episode that was followed by the detention of two Canadian citizens in China. Although those cases have since been resolved, bilateral relations have continued to be affected by trade disputes and policy disagreements.
Trade and economic ties central to Canada-China relations
More recently, trade frictions have intensified following Canada’s decision in 2024 to impose tariffs on certain Chinese-made goods, including electric vehicles. China responded with retaliatory duties on selected Canadian agricultural and seafood products. Officials in both countries have acknowledged the existence of these measures, which remain in place. The Canadian government has said the upcoming meetings will include discussions on trade-related issues that affect exporters and producers in both markets.
The visit will also include discussions on broader international issues, according to the Prime Minister’s Office. Canada and China have participated in multilateral forums on global economic stability, climate-related matters and international security. Officials said the meetings will provide an opportunity for direct dialogue at a senior level on areas of mutual concern within existing international frameworks.
Davos forum to follow China visit
Carney’s trip to China will be followed by travel to Davos, Switzerland, where he is scheduled to attend the World Economic Forum annual meeting from January 19 to January 21. His participation in Davos will include meetings with government leaders, international organizations and representatives from the global business community, according to officials. The forum is expected to address issues related to the global economy, investment and international cooperation.
The Canadian government said the China visit is part of its regular diplomatic and international engagement calendar. Officials emphasized that the trip reflects established diplomatic channels between Ottawa and Beijing and follows previous high-level contacts between the two governments. Further details on the outcomes of the meetings are expected to be released following the conclusion of the visit.