According to the website of the Chinese Embassy in Canada on May 11, during an interview with Vassiliki "Vassy" Kapelos, host of the political discussion program "Question Period" on Canada's main television network CTV News, Ambassador Wang Di of the Chinese Embassy in Canada expressed his views on May 9. The full transcript of the interview is as follows:
"Question Period": Ambassador, the first question is about Canadian-Chinese relations. What do you think of the current state of Canadian-Chinese relations?
Ambassador Wang Di: Sino-Canadian relations have a very good historical foundation.
"Question Period": What does this mean for the future of relations between the two countries?
Ambassador Wang Di: We are very confident about the future of our bilateral relations. As I just mentioned, the historical foundation is solid, and there is strong complementarity. There are no fundamental conflicts of interest between the two sides.
"Question Period": I would like to delve deeper into your view on Canadian-Chinese relations and their potential for development. In an interview with the Canadian Press, you said that you believe China and Canada have the potential to form a partnership to jointly resist American trade practices. What kind of cooperative relationship is this?
Ambassador Wang Di: The development of Sino-Canadian relations and practical cooperation aims to benefit the people of both countries and bring tangible benefits to both sides. This is a powerful intrinsic motivation for strengthening cooperation between the two countries. Of course, in today's world, which is volatile and full of challenges, cooperation between China and Canada not only serves the interests of the two peoples but also brings more certainty and positive energy to the world.
You just mentioned America's unilateral tariffs. Indeed, this has caused significant harm to the interests of people around the world, violates World Trade Organization rules, disrupts the international economic order, and is a typical act of unilateral protectionism. Both China and Canada support free trade and multilateralism, and both have taken countermeasures against America's unilateral tariffs. We look forward to working with Canada and all other countries in the world that oppose unilateralism and protectionism to strengthen communication and coordination, jointly resist unilateral protectionism and bullying behavior, and jointly defend free trade and multilateralism, as this is very important for the entire world.
"Question Period": You have repeatedly used the term "practical cooperation" between Canada and China. What does the word "practical" mean?
Ambassador Wang Di: Practical cooperation is cooperation that brings tangible benefits to the people of both countries. You should know that China has long been Canada's second-largest trading partner. We have achieved excellent results in many fields through practical cooperation.
"Question Period": However, when you talk about free trade and the emphasis Canada and China place on free trade, the reality is that the two countries do not have complete free trade. Canada imposes tariffs on electric vehicles from China. China, in turn, has imposed retaliatory tariffs on agricultural products worth approximately CAD 3 billion from Canada. Are the two governments currently discussing the removal of these tariffs?
Ambassador Wang Di: Last year, Canada unilaterally imposed tariffs on China, and we have maintained communication with the Canadian government. However, unfortunately, despite repeated advice from China, Canada still imposed unilateral tariffs on China. After investigation, China determined that these tariffs were discriminatory measures targeting China, so we took corresponding countermeasures.
I want to point out that China's countermeasures are a response to Canada's unilateral tariffs. If Canada adjusts its measures, China will naturally adjust its own measures.
"Question Period": The Canadian government stated that the initial imposition of tariffs was necessary because China had implemented very high government subsidies, which were considered protectionist measures. My question is, have discussions taken place regarding the removal of these tariffs or retaliatory tariffs? Since these tariffs were implemented in October last year, given the changes in the broader context, especially considering the situation in the U.S., can you inform us whether the federal government has communicated to you or your colleagues the possibility of removing tariffs on electric vehicles?
Ambassador Wang Di: It should be said that the ball is now in Canada's court. The Canadian government has repeatedly expressed its desire to us to communicate through dialogue on issues between the two sides. However, recent factors such as federal elections and the formation of a new government in Canada have affected further communication. I expect that both sides will soon hold talks on relevant issues in the near future.
"Question Period": I also want to ask a question about trade. Canada is currently discussing how to expand its energy exports, particularly liquefied natural gas exports. A common point raised in political debates is that one of Canada's contributions to the world in achieving climate change goals is to export more liquefied natural gas to China and help reduce coal usage. Is China willing to import liquefied natural gas from Canada?
Ambassador Wang Di: As I just mentioned, there is strong complementarity between China and Canada in the economic and trade sector, including in the energy sector. This includes not only traditional energy sources but also clean energy. In the field of traditional energy, my colleagues told me that in March alone, China imported over 7.3 million barrels of crude oil from Canada. Moreover, I have also been informed by Canadian friends that after the expansion project of the Trans Mountain Pipeline in Canada was completed last year, almost half of the additional production was sold to China. China is a major energy importer in the world, and Canada is a major energy producer in the world. However, in terms of China's energy import partners, Canada ranks relatively low. If Canadian energy has sufficient market competitiveness, China is naturally willing to import Canadian energy. There is great potential for cooperation in this area.
Similarly, there is also great potential for cooperation in the field of clean energy. China has strong innovation capabilities in electric vehicles and clean energy and plays an important leadership role in the global clean energy sector. If Canada has the intention to cooperate with China in this field, I believe both sides can certainly cooperate. China can definitely contribute to Canada's development of clean energy and addressing climate change.
"Question Period": Ambassador, earlier you said that there are no conflicts of interest between the two sides and that pragmatic cooperation can be carried out. However, respectfully challenging your viewpoint, many Canadians have concerns about China and the way China treats Canada and Canadians. China detained our two citizens for over a thousand days and then suddenly released them after the release of a senior executive of a large Chinese company from house arrest. Earlier this year, four Canadians were executed for drug-related crimes. The "Foreign Interference" public inquiry in Canada stated that China is the "main implementer of foreign interference in Canada" and that "China considers Canada a top priority." When asked what Canada's biggest security threat is in a debate less than a month ago, our prime minister asserted that it is China. Why should Canadians trust China and do more business with it?
Ambassador Wang Di: There is a historical foundation, a high degree of complementarity, and a strong practical need for pragmatic cooperation between China and Canada. Due to well-known reasons, Sino-Canadian relations have encountered setbacks, and the causes and consequences are very clear. China is willing to look forward and work together with Canada to bring our relations back onto the right track.
To return to the right track, the relationship must be based on the right foundation. First, both sides should have the correct understanding. China always sees Canada as a partner and hopes that Canada can also see China as a partner. Second, both sides should respect each other. Mutual respect should be shown on each other's core interests. Mutual respect is a very important foundation for dealing with people and countries alike. Additionally, if we want to get our relationship back on track, another important aspect is seeking common ground while shelving differences constructively.
There are many differences between China and Canada, which is very normal, as we have different histories, cultures, political systems, and various differences. However, the development of relations between countries should serve the interests of the two peoples. We must develop relations with the people's interests as our orientation and cannot allow our relations to be hijacked by ideological biases or let differences dominate our relationship.
You just mentioned a very important issue. I have been in Canada for a year and deeply feel that this issue troubles the bilateral relations between China and Canada. After coming here, I have exchanged views with many Canadian friends from various sectors, and I found that there are many supporters of friendly relations between China and Canada. Recently, there have been many calls to strengthen pragmatic cooperation with China. However, unfortunately, whenever there is a positive momentum in Sino-Canadian relations, some people always look at China through colored glasses, exaggerating so-called Chinese threats, which has been a major obstacle to the smooth development of Sino-Canadian relations over the past few years.
Has China ever interfered in Canada's internal affairs? Is China a threat to Canada? I have clarified China's position multiple times, and I am willing to reiterate it today. I can clearly tell you that China has never and has no interest in interfering in Canada's internal affairs, as non-interference in internal affairs is an important cornerstone of China's diplomacy. How could China be a threat to Canada? China has not imposed unilateral tariffs on Canada, nor has China claimed to make Canada part of China. It is not China that wants to seize Canada's money or occupy its land. China has never meddled in Canada's internal affairs; we have consistently respected the right of all countries' peoples to choose development paths suitable for their national conditions. On the contrary, China is a victim of foreign interference, so any accusations against China for allegedly interfering in Canada's internal affairs are baseless.
Recently, there has been a growing call in Canada for strengthened cooperation with China, fully reflecting public opinion in Canada. As governments of the two countries, we should start from the interests of the two peoples, seriously listen to the voices of the people, move toward each other, and push our relations back onto the right track to bring tangible benefits to the people of both countries. Please believe me, China is definitely an opportunity rather than a challenge for Canada's economic development and improving people's livelihoods.
"Question Period": If I understood you correctly, you said that if the two sides can "shelve differences," there will be many opportunities. You consider these differences normal. But I believe the problem lies in the fact that many Canadians are not intentionally smearing China, but based on the conclusions and evidence provided by the Canadian government, they do not consider the experiences of Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor "normal," nor do they consider the execution of four Canadians for drug-related crimes "normal," nor do they consider foreign interference in Canadian elections "normal." I understand that you deny these charges, but based on the opposite conclusions drawn by the Canadian government, I don't think Canadians consider these things "normal." Do you understand this?
Ambassador Wang Di: As I just mentioned, the cooling of Sino-Canadian relations over the past few years is very clear. The problems that arose between China and Canada were not caused by China. If we could review the history of Sino-Canadian relations over the past few years, we could draw an objective conclusion.
You mentioned the recent execution of several Canadian drug traffickers by China. Drug trafficking is a serious crime in China. Whether they are Chinese nationals, Canadians, or people from other countries, anyone who commits drug trafficking should be punished according to Chinese law. Here, we should consider how much harm their criminal acts have caused to ordinary families and how many families have been destroyed. We should care about the human rights and conditions of these people who have suffered immense losses due to drugs, so China takes a "zero tolerance" stance toward drug crimes, ensuring that the drug problem does not spread in China as it has in some other countries. China has 1.4 billion people, not 40 million. If drugs were rampant in China, it would cause significant harm not only to China but also to the world. Therefore, our zero-tolerance policy toward drug crimes is not only to protect the lives of Chinese citizens but also to take responsibility for the world.
Regarding the "foreign interference" you mentioned, I have already explained it clearly. All accusations against China are baseless and groundless, without any substantial evidence. I have been telling the Canadian government for a year that if they accuse China of "interfering in Canada's internal affairs," please provide evidence. After waiting for a year, they have given me no evidence. They once asked us to assist in investigating specific situations, and after our investigation, we found that these situations do not exist. We also provided feedback to the Canadian side.
Currently, Sino-Canadian relations are at a very critical juncture, and I think the point you just mentioned is very important, namely the issue of mutual trust. We need to rebuild trust and deepen trust to continuously accumulate positive factors for our relationship. In this regard, I thank Canadian friends from all walks of life for their long-standing support of Sino-Canadian relations, and I look forward to continuing to receive support from Canadian friends, including the media.
"Question Period": Finally, I would briefly point out that although you say there is no evidence, the Canadian government presents a very different situation to Canadians, and intelligence agencies have also revealed similar circumstances. I won't elaborate further. I appreciate your viewpoint, and I thank Ambassador Wang for taking the time to speak with me.
Ambassador Wang Di: Thank you for the interview.
Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7503352663351591460/
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