Prime Minister Mark Carney to visit China next week as Canada pivots away from the US
TORONTO (AP) — Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Wednesday that he will visit China next week to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping as he aims to reduce Canada’s dependence on the United States, which threatens its economy and sovereignty.
This is the first visit to China by a Canadian prime minister in more than eight years. Xi He invited Carney to China when they met during a meeting. Asia-Pacific summit In October. The visit comes at a time when the two countries are moving to rebuild stronger ties after years of tensions.
“We are building new partnerships around the world to transform our economy from one dependent on a single trading partner to one that is stronger and more resilient to global shocks,” Carney said on Wednesday.
Carney will travel to China from January 13-17. He will also attend the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, from January 19 to 21.
Trump threatens Canada’s economy and sovereignty tariffsclaiming that Canada might be the most aggressive “51st state.”
Initiative to rapprochement with China comes as Carney looks on Twice as much as Canada’s non-US exports over the next decade and the free trade agreement with the US and Mexico is expected to be reviewed this year. More than 75 percent of Canada’s exports go to the United States
China is Canada’s second largest trading partner.
Relations between China and Canada took a major blow in late 2018 after Canadian authorities arrested a senior executive of the Chinese tech giant. Huawei As part of the extradition treaty with the United States. China later arrested two Canadian citizens in retaliation.
Relations were recently shaken by Canada’s decision apply 100% tariff In 2024, electric vehicles, batteries and other goods will be imported from China. Canada made a move together with the USA
Canadian canola producers, seafood exporters and pork farmers are facing steep tariffs from China in retaliation.
China has offered to lift import duties on some Canadian products if Canada lowers its EV tariff.
