Carney Addresses Foreign Interference with Xi in Historic Meeting

Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized that China does not fully comprehend the depth of Canadian concerns regarding foreign interference. This statement followed his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in Gyeongju, South Korea. Carney remarked, “We had a discussion on foreign interference… I don’t think they recognize the level of concerns we have about these issues.”

The meeting marked a significant moment, being the first formal interaction between the leaders of Canada and China since 2017. Carney described the 40-minute discussion as a potential turning point in the bilateral relationship. He noted that a public inquiry in January had identified China as the primary actor in foreign interference aimed at Canadian democratic institutions, including attempts to influence recent elections.

Carney highlighted Canada’s approach to managing these issues, stating that the country has a structured method for addressing foreign interference. He referred to China as “the rising economic power” and emphasized the need for a relationship grounded in mutual respect for differences and collaboration where possible.

While Carney expressed hope for improved ties, he was not optimistic about immediate progress regarding his aim to persuade China to lift tariffs on Canadian products, including canola, seafood, and pork. These tariffs were introduced in response to Canada’s own tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. Carney articulated that establishing a high-level relationship is essential for unlocking future opportunities, suggesting that change occurs through sustained engagement rather than transactional exchanges.

Carney also apologized to U.S. President Donald Trump for a controversial anti-tariff advertisement that had been blamed for derailing trade discussions with the United States. The sentiment regarding the Xi-Carney meeting was echoed by provincial leaders. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe described the meeting as a positive step, while Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew referred to it as “exactly what we’ve been asking for.”

As the meeting concluded, Carney indicated that the restrictions imposed by the Trudeau government on Chinese investments, particularly in telecommunications, would remain in place. He noted that Canada is focused on future decisions regarding sensitive areas of inbound investment. Carney also pointed out the potential for collaboration between Canada and China on global challenges such as climate change and financial stability.

In a lighter moment, Carney drew a parallel between Canada’s economic strategies and the Toronto Blue Jays’ World Series bid against the Los Angeles Dodgers. He praised the Blue Jays for their aggressive play, stating, “You don’t need the big payroll… to win the World Series.” He expressed optimism about Canada’s economic transformation, calling for a shift away from singular reliance on specific trade partners to a more resilient framework capable of withstanding global challenges.

Carney’s trip began at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit in Malaysia, where he aimed to position Canada as a reliable trading partner. He stopped in Singapore to engage with major investment firms regarding funding for Canadian trade infrastructure before attending the APEC summit.

Looking ahead, Carney announced efforts to secure free trade agreements with Thailand and the Philippines, as well as the broader ASEAN bloc within the year. He also confirmed a new defence and security partnership with South Korea, with plans for a trade mission next year. “Opportunity comes from fundamentally changing how countries trade,” Carney stated, underscoring the importance of adapting to the evolving global landscape.

In a bid to strengthen Canada’s role within the APEC framework, Carney announced that Canada has offered to host the APEC summit in 2029, a gathering not held in the country since the 1997 summit in Vancouver.