Overview
- Prime Minister Mark Carney is in China Jan. 13–17 for the first visit by a Canadian leader to Beijing since 2017, with meetings set with Premier Li Qiang on Thursday and President Xi Jinping on Friday.
- Senior Canadian officials say they expect the signing of several memoranda of understanding and incremental progress on trade irritants, but not a definitive end to Chinese tariffs on Canadian canola during the trip.
- Media reports citing people familiar with talks say Beijing may ease canola restrictions if Ottawa relaxes its 100% tariff on Chinese electric vehicles, a proposal facing strong opposition from Ontario’s auto sector and support from Prairie provinces.
- Two Liberal MPs cut short a Taiwan visit, saying they returned on government advice to avoid confusion with Canada’s policy during the prime minister’s engagement in Beijing.
- Carney’s agenda includes energy, agriculture and security, with Canadian officials signaling continued discussion of human-rights concerns and alleged election interference alongside potential avenues for expanded trade.