Source: Global Times
[Global Times reporter Chen Zishuai, Global Times correspondent in Canada Tao Duangfang] Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau began his official visit to China on January 14. On the afternoon of January 15, Chinese Premier Li Qiang held talks with Trudeau at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Li Qiang stated that through the joint efforts of both sides, Sino-Canadian relations have improved, which has been widely welcomed by the people of both countries. The healthy and stable development of Sino-Canadian relations is in line with the common interests of both countries. According to the Canadian Press and Reuters, it was reported on the 15th that Trudeau said that Canada is entering a "new era" in its relations with China. Trudeau said that their team has been working hard to resolve trade disputes and build platforms for new cooperation opportunities. "I believe we are working together to bring this relationship back to its proper state," he said.
Li Qiang stated that standing at a new starting point, the Chinese side is willing to work with Canada to maintain the strategic partner positioning, strengthen dialogue and communication, enhance political trust, respect each other's core interests, seek common ground while reserving differences, and promote practical cooperation, adding more momentum for the development of the two countries.
Li Qiang pointed out that the economic complementarity between China and Canada is strong, and the cooperation between the two countries has a strong internal driving force and broad space. The Chinese side is willing to strengthen the alignment of development strategies with Canada, continue to resume and advance exchanges in all fields and levels, make good use of the dialogue mechanisms between the two countries on trade, customs, energy, construction, culture, public security, etc., promote stable growth in bilateral trade, improve trade facilitation levels, deepen cooperation in areas such as clean energy, digital technology, modern agriculture, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and finance, and cultivate more new growth points.
Trudeau stated that Sino-Canadian relations have a long history, and Canada was one of the first Western countries to recognize the new China. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the Canadian government has always firmly adhered to the One-China policy. Trudeau also mentioned that he welcomes Chinese enterprises to invest and develop in Canada, and Canadian companies are confident about deepening cooperation with China. In the current international situation, which has undergone profound changes, Canada is willing to strengthen communication and cooperation with China, jointly support the United Nations' central role in international affairs, safeguard multilateral trade systems, defend multilateralism, and promote world peace, stability, and prosperity.
After the talks, the two prime ministers witnessed the signing of several cooperation documents on trade, customs, energy, construction, culture, and public security. Earlier on the 15th, the foreign ministers of the two countries also held meetings.
Liu Dan, a researcher at the Canada Research Center of the Institute of Regional and Country Studies at Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, told the Global Times on the 15th that this visit marks a key turning point after eight years, a substantial "ice-breaking" and restart, signifying that Sino-Canadian relations have officially entered a new cycle of contact and dialogue from a long period of confrontation and estrangement. The two countries' relations are expected to open up practical cooperation based on the high economic complementarity. Canada urgently needs to diversify its energy and agricultural product exports to reduce dependence on the US, while China needs resource security and industrial chain safety. This provides a solid material basis for the improvement of bilateral relations.
This visit is the first by a Canadian prime minister to China since 2017. Relations between the two countries have experienced multiple tense situations in recent years. Since Trudeau became prime minister last year, the pace of dialogue between the two sides has significantly accelerated, with frequent meetings and calls between senior officials, ultimately leading to the meeting between the two leaders in South Korea in October last year. According to Reuters, Trudeau praised the leadership of the Chinese leader and the rapid progress made in bilateral relations on the 15th, stating that the recovery of relations between the two countries has paved the way for establishing a strategic partnership in multiple areas.
The Canadian Press quoted experts on the 14th, saying that although the visit was short, it was of great significance. Because China and Canada are trying to resolve the long-standing diplomatic tensions, and Ottawa is striving to achieve its goal of doubling non-US market exports by 2035. Reuters mentioned that after the US imposed tariffs on Canada last year and hinted that Canada might become the "51st state" of the US, Canada has been working to diversify its export markets.
Strengthening trade was the focus of Trudeau's visit. According to the Canadian Press on the 15th, since arriving in Beijing, Trudeau has met with the executives of several Chinese enterprises. The report said, "All of this indicates that after nearly ten years of trade, security, and diplomatic friction, the door to new economic cooperation between the two countries may be about to open."
Liu Dan analyzed that the "strategic partnership" emphasized by Canada is different from previous ones, focusing more on non-zero-sum games, indicating that Canada does not want to completely follow the US in containing China but hopes to seek coexistence and cooperation while maintaining sovereignty and interests. However, although these statements released positive signals, subsequent actions still need to be observed.
Original: toutiao.com/article/7595722020516545062/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author.