Carney in China as Canada seeks to reset ties and diversify trade beyond US

Carney is scheduled to meet President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and other government and business leaders.

“The relationship between Canada and China has created opportunities and prosperity on both sides of the Pacific,” Carney said on X.

“We’re ready to build a new partnership — one that builds on the best of our past and responds to the challenges of today.”

Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand said Carney is in China “to represent various sectors of the Canadian economy” and will engage with Premier Li Qiang and President Xi Jinping, focusing not only on trade but also on “people-to-people ties between the countries.”

In an earlier statement, Carney said the visit reflects the government’s broader push to reduce reliance on a single trade partner, expand non-US exports and attract new investment amid global economic uncertainty.

“At a time of global trade disruption, Canada is focused on building a more competitive, sustainable, and independent economy,” Carney said.

“We’re forging new partnerships around the world to transform our economy from one that has been reliant on a single trade partner to one that is stronger and more resilient to global shocks.”

The visit follows Carney’s first official meeting with Xi in October and marks the first trip to China by a Canadian prime minister since 2017.