Carney calls meeting with Xi a ‘turning point’ in Canada-China relations

OTTAWA · October 2025 — Prime Minister Mark Carney described his first face-to-face meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping as a “turning point” in the often-strained relationship between Canada and China.

The two leaders met on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, marking the highest-level dialogue between Ottawa and Beijing in several years. Although the discussions did not produce an immediate breakthrough on China’s tariffs on Canadian agricultural and resource exports, both sides characterized the talks as constructive and forward-looking.

According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, Carney and Xi agreed to continue high-level engagement and to work toward “reducing the irritants” that have hindered bilateral cooperation in recent years. The pair discussed trade, climate policy, and regional security, with emphasis on restoring mutual trust and reopening channels for economic collaboration.

Carney also formally accepted Xi’s invitation to make an official visit to China — which would mark the first Canadian prime ministerial visit to Beijing since 2017. Government sources say preparations are underway for a potential 2026 trip that could include new trade and environmental cooperation frameworks.

While the APEC meeting did not yield concrete policy changes, Canadian officials framed it as a significant step toward re-establishing pragmatic diplomacy with the world’s second-largest economy.

“Progress won’t happen overnight, but dialogue is the foundation,” Carney told reporters. “We’re choosing engagement over isolation — and that’s in Canada’s best interest.”

The renewed discussions come amid ongoing tensions over trade restrictions, human rights concerns, and global supply-chain resilience. Analysts say both nations stand to benefit from rebuilding economic bridges, especially in energy, technology, and sustainable development sectors.

As Carney put it, “This is a chance to reset, rebuild trust, and chart a new course for Canada-China relations.”