Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met with Chinese leaders in Beijing on January 16, 2026, pledging to enhance dialogue and cooperation while upholding the multilateral trading system. His four-day state visit signals a warming in bilateral relations, the first by a Canadian PM in eight years.
On January 16, 2026, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Both sides agreed to jointly uphold the United Nations' core role in international affairs and strengthen cooperation in trade, clean energy, digital technology, and other fields. Li stated that China-Canada relations have achieved a turnaround through joint efforts, aligning with the common interests of both nations. China is willing to maintain the strategic partnership with Canada, enhance political mutual trust, respect each other's core interests, and deepen cooperation under frameworks like the UN, WTO, and G20.
After arriving in Beijing, Carney posted on social media that the China-Canada relationship has brought prosperity to both sides of the Pacific, and he is ready to build a new partnership responding to today's challenges. He emphasized Canada's adherence to the one-China policy and appreciated China's application to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. Following the talks, they witnessed the signing of multiple cooperation documents on trade, customs, energy, construction, and culture.
Previously, in October 2025, President Xi Jinping met Carney on the sidelines of the APEC Leaders' Meeting in South Korea, agreeing to resume exchanges and cooperation. In September, Li met Carney at the UN General Assembly. The visit is seen as a positive signal by the business community. Bijan Ahmadi, executive director of the Canada China Business Council, said regular high-level dialogue is essential for managing relations and addressing economic and trade challenges. Zheng Xiaoling, president of the Canada International Trade Promotion Society, noted that the visit holds important economic and strategic significance amid rising global uncertainty.
On the same day, Zhao Leji, chairman of China's National People's Congress Standing Committee, met Carney, stressing the implementation of leaders' consensus and exchanges in legislation and supervision. Carney expressed Canada's willingness to deepen cooperation in energy, agriculture, and supply chains to elevate bilateral ties. Earlier, Foreign Minister Wang Yi met Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand, reaffirming commitments to strengthen communication, eliminate interference, and deepen cooperation.
The visit highlights the positive momentum in China-Canada relations recovery, aiming to inject new momentum into both countries' development.
