China urges Canada to ‘deepen cooperation’ against ‘interference’ as premiers set to meet

By Berk Kutay Gokmen

ISTANBUL (AA) - China on Thursday urged Canada to “deepen cooperation” against "interference" and enhance bilateral relations as the premiers of the two countries are set to meet in Beijing.

Ahead of a meeting between China's Premier Li Qiang and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his Canadian counterpart Anita Anand that Beijing is willing to “strengthen communication with Canada,” according to a statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Beijing is willing to “enhance trust, eliminate interference, and deepen cooperation with Canada, to bring bilateral relations forward on a steady and sound track in solid strides under the new circumstances,” Wang said.

Carney reached China on Wednesday for a four-day visit, marking the first trip to China by a Canadian premier in eight years.

Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had last visited China in 2017.

During his trip, Carney is scheduled to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Premier Li, and other government and business leaders.

According to a Canadian statement, the meetings will aim to elevate engagement on "trade, energy, agriculture, and international security."

Canada and China established diplomatic relations in 1970, and the bilateral trade volume stood at around $67 billion at the end of 2024.