ISLAMABAD: China has extended an olive branch to Canada, calling for stronger diplomatic and trade ties amid escalating tensions that have strained their economic relationship in recent months.
In a phone call with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Friday, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said there were no fundamental conflicts between the two nations and urged for greater dialogue to resolve ongoing issues.
According to China’s state-run Xinhua news agency, Premier Li expressed willingness to collaborate with Canada in placing bilateral relations back on a stable and constructive path.
The outreach comes in the wake of rising trade conflicts, not only with Canada but with several of China’s Western trade partners, as economic pressures mount on Beijing.
Trade Disputes and Retaliatory Measures
Earlier this year, Canada imposed tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, steel, and aluminum products. In retaliation, Beijing responded with duties on over $2.6 billion worth of Canadian agricultural and food items, including a high-profile anti-dumping probe into Canadian canola exports.
Once a top Canadian export to China, canola remains under scrutiny until the investigation concludes in September.
Li’s remarks reflect Beijing’s efforts to cool tensions while preserving trade flows, especially as global economic growth slows and China’s own economy faces internal challenges.
Focus on Cooperation and Multilateralism
During the call, Li emphasized that both countries should work together to meet the expectations of their citizens by deepening friendly cooperation, restoring trust, and upholding multilateralism.
He noted that China is ready to join hands with Canada in supporting free trade and global economic stability.
The renewed call for engagement comes just ahead of the G7 summit to be held in Canada this month, where China’s trade practices are expected to come under further scrutiny.
