Canada and China have announced a new strategic partnership following Prime Minister Mark Carney’s first official visit to Beijing since taking office, a move that has sparked political debate at home.
Carney met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and other senior officials, unveiling agreements focused on energy cooperation, trade, public safety, multilateralism, and cultural exchanges. The federal government says the partnership is intended to strengthen Canada’s economic resilience while expanding access to one of the world’s largest markets.
Central to the agreement is progress on resolving long-standing trade irritants, particularly in agriculture. Ottawa says China is expected to significantly lower tariffs on Canadian canola seed and remove certain restrictions on products such as seafood, peas, and canola meal, potentially unlocking billions in export opportunities.
The partnership also includes plans to allow up to 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles into Canada at existing tariff rates. The government says the vehicles would represent less than three per cent of the Canadian market and could support future joint-venture manufacturing investments and more affordable EV options for consumers.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has criticized the agreement, saying the Prime Minister must explain what he calls a shift from pre-election warnings about China to a post-election strategic partnership. Poilievre argues the plan could jeopardize national security and Canadian auto jobs, while noting that some tariffs on Canadian goods would remain in place.
The Prime Minister says diversification is essential in a more uncertain global economy, adding that China remains Canada’s second-largest trading partner and a key market for agriculture, forestry, and seafood exports.
Canada and China also agreed to enhance cooperation on public safety, climate change, and global governance, while reaffirming commitments to multilateral institutions.
Carney is expected to return to China later this year for the APEC Leaders’ Summit, as discussions continue on implementing the partnership’s commitments.
(Written by: Jospeh Goden)
