China has expressed its willingness to deepen cooperation with Canada while eliminating what it described as external “interference,” as senior officials from both countries met in Beijing during Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s landmark state visit.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi made the remarks during a meeting with his Canadian counterpart, Anita Anand, on Thursday, shortly after Prime Minister Carney arrived in the Chinese capital for a four-day visit, the first by a Canadian head of government in nearly a decade.
Carney is scheduled to meet Chinese Premier Li Qiang later on Thursday and President Xi Jinping on Friday.
“China is willing to enhance communication with Canada, foster mutual trust, eliminate interference and deepen cooperation,” Wang said, according to statements cited by the Canadian prime minister’s office.
He added that such efforts would help ensure bilateral relations remain steady, substantive, and resilient.
Canadian Foreign Minister Anand welcomed the remarks, emphasizing Ottawa’s commitment to rebuilding ties.
“We’ll make sure that we continue to make progress together in the short and the long term for the benefit of the peoples of both of our countries,” she said.
The high-level engagement reflects a broader effort by both sides to reset relations after years of diplomatic and economic tension.
Since 2017, ties have been strained by trade disputes and political disagreements, most recently following Canada’s decision in 2024 to impose tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, mirroring similar measures taken by the United States.
China responded in March last year by imposing tariffs on more than $2.6 billion worth of Canadian agricultural and food products, including canola oil and meal.
As a result, Chinese imports of Canadian goods fell by 10.4% in 2025, according to recently released customs data.
Re-engagement with Beijing has also gained urgency for Canada amid efforts to diversify export markets, particularly after the United States imposed new tariffs last year.
Observers say the visit signals cautious optimism that both countries are prepared to move beyond recent disputes toward pragmatic cooperation.
