Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s China visit signals a strategic shift to reduce US dependence, revive strained bilateral ties, and reshape global geopolitics. Strengthening Canada-China cooperation could alter trade dynamics and challenge Washington’s growing influence worldwide.
Canada’s Diplomatic Outreach to China
New Delhi: Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney is on a four-day diplomatic visit to China beginning January 14. During his visit Carney is likely to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang to stabilize strained relations and have better economic co-operation.
Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney’s differences with the US president Donald Trump is forcing Canada to explore other trade options. Since Mark Carney became Prime Minister of Canada, he is trying to normalise relations with China to reduce Washington’s influence in the region.
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Donald Trump’s autocratic and expansionist policies have strained the relationship between Ottawa and Washington. The US president’s threat to make Canada 51st state of United States, disruptive trade policies forced Mark Carney to decrease Canada’s economic dependence on the US.
Canada Prime Minister said, “Never have all your eggs in one basket. We have too many eggs in the American basket.” Canada-US trade is worth $348.50 billion. The recent tariffs recommended by Donald Trump have upset Canada and it wants to explore other markets. China has expressed its willingness to stabilize strained relations with Canada.
The roller coaster Canada-China relations are likely to change after Mark Carney visit. Canada-China relations hit a new low in 2018 when Canada detained Chinese telecommunications executive at the request of the U.S. The U.S. wanted arrested Huawei Technologies Co. executive Meng Wanzhou to be extradited to face American charges.
In retaliation China arrested two Canadians Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor on charges of spying. In 2021 a deal was reached between Canada and China and all the three were released to normalise the relations. Relationship between Canada and China were strained when Ottawa under the influence of the U.S. imposed 100% tariff on electric vehicles and 25% tariff on steel and aluminium from China.
The turning point in China-Canada relations came when Canada’s Prime Minister met Chinese leader Xi Jinping in October 2025 at the sidelines of the APEC summit in South Korea. The recent four-day visit of Canadian Prime Minister to Beijing is seen as an extension of this meeting.
China is Canada’s No 2, trading partner after the United States. Canada had recently imposed tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, steel and aluminium under the influence of the US. China reciprocated by imposing tariffs on Canadian exports including canola, seafood and pork. China has indicated that if Canada drops 100% tariff on electric vehicles it will reciprocate.
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Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning just before Carney’s visit said that the state visit by Canadian Prime Minister will provide an opportunity to consolidate China-Canada relations. The development of ties between China and Canada will change the balance of power in geo-politics. The new bonhomie between China and Canada will check American autocratic, expansionist policies and become conducive to world peace, prosperity, development and stability.
