China and Canada have agreed to ease tariffs, signalling a reset in relations after a high-level meeting in Beijing between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Mark Carney.
China will cut tariffs on Canadian canola oil from 85% to 15% by March, while Canada will lower taxes on Chinese electric vehicles to the most-favoured-nation rate of 6.1%. The
agreement marks a breakthrough after years of strained ties and is a diplomatic win for Carney, the first Canadian leader to visit China in nearly a decade as he seeks to diversify trade away from the US amid uncertainty caused by Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Carney described recent dealings with Beijing as more predictable and respectful, while stressing that Canada maintains clear red lines on issues such as human rights, election interference and safeguards in the relationship. The deal could also open the door to increased Chinese investment in Canada and is seen by observers as a model for other countries hit by US trade measures, as China promotes itself as a stable and pragmatic global partner.
Xi said stronger China–Canada ties would benefit global peace and prosperity, while Carney warned that a rapidly changing world means Canada’s strategic choices now will shape its future for decades.
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