BEIJING: China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi has called for efforts to normalize relations with Canada and revive discussions toward establishing a strategic partnership, according to a statement from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In a meeting with Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly, Wang acknowledged the challenges and twists in China-Canada relations over recent years, expressing China’s desire for improved ties.
“China-Canada relations have experienced difficulties and twists and turns over the years, which is not something China would like to see,” Wang told Foreign Minister Melanie Joly in Beijing.
Joly’s three-day visit through Saturday, at Wang’s invitation, marks the first by a Canadian foreign minister to China in seven years.
Tensions between the two nations escalated sharply in 2018 following the arrest of Huawei’s Chief Financial Officer, Meng Wanzhou, in Canada on charges related to violations of US sanctions. In apparent retaliation, China detained two Canadian citizens, Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig, accusing them of espionage. The prolonged diplomatic standoff strained bilateral relations, prompting diplomatic efforts to resolve the issue.
Wang emphasized that there are no fundamental conflicts of interest between China and Canada and underscored the mutual benefits of maintaining and enhancing bilateral cooperation across various sectors. He urged Canada to respect China’s sovereignty regarding sensitive issues such as Taiwan, Tibet, Xinjiang, and Hong Kong, categorizing them as internal matters.
Joly reaffirmed Canada’s adherence to the one-China policy and expressed willingness to actively foster bilateral relations. She highlighted potential areas of collaboration, including trade, economy, tourism, climate change, and drug control.
The talks also touched upon global issues, including the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Israel-Palestinian conflicts, where both ministers exchanged views.
The resolution of the Meng Wanzhou case in 2021, following her release to China as part of a legal agreement with US authorities, marked a significant development in the bilateral relationship. The subsequent release of Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig further eased tensions.
Both countries have accused each other of interference in internal affairs. Canada has investigated alleged covert Chinese police operations within its borders, while China has repeatedly denied accusations of meddling in Canadian politics.
In April the Canadian spy agency concluded that China had interfered in its 2019 and 2021 elections, prompting Trudeau to set up a commission to probe foreign interference.
The meeting between Wang and Joly concluded with a commitment to pursue stable and constructive relations, signaling a potential thaw in China-Canada diplomatic ties after years of strain.
A constructive and productive meeting with my Chinese counterpart, Foreign Minister Wang Yi. pic.twitter.com/glMvRUengY
— Mélanie Joly (@melaniejoly) July 19, 2024
