Canada, China Aim for ‘Historic’ Gains as Strategic Partnership Deepens

Canada and China are moving forward with a new strategic partnership that Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says could deliver “historic gains” for both nations as they work to deepen cooperation in key sectors. Carney made the comments during a high-level meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, marking the first official visit to China by a Canadian prime minister since 2017.

Speaking alongside Xi, Carney said that building a stronger partnership was especially important “at a time of global division.” He highlighted agriculture, agri-food, energy and finance as priority areas where immediate and sustained progress could be made to benefit both economies.

China is Canada’s second-largest trading partner, and the two sides have been rebuilding ties after years of diplomatic strain and trade disputes, including tariffs on electric vehicles and retaliatory duties on Canadian agricultural goods. Negotiations to ease these trade barriers continue as part of broader efforts to reset relations.

The strategic push comes amid increasing economic uncertainty driven by tariffs and geopolitical shifts, with both Ottawa and Beijing expressing interest in strengthening bilateral cooperation beyond traditional economic ties. Analysts say closer engagement could reshape parts of the global trade landscape, even as Canada remains firmly allied with the United States.

While there are still hurdles to overcome — especially on unresolved trade issues — leaders from both countries signalled optimism that the renewed dialogue and cooperation agreements could help unlock new opportunities and create mutual benefits in areas of shared interest.