Senior Canadian and Chinese officials met in Beijing on Friday to address ongoing trade disputes involving canola exports and electric vehicles, though neither side signaled an immediate resolution, according to Ottawa.
Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand met with her Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, as part of broader efforts to restore dialogue between the two countries after years of strained relations. The meeting covered a range of sensitive trade and agricultural topics, including canola, seafood, meat, and electric vehicles, Canada’s foreign ministry said in a statement.
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“The ministers discussed issues of respective sensitivity, such as agriculture and agri-food products, including canola, as well as seafood, meat and electric vehicles,” the ministry said. “They agreed that regular and candid communication is essential to build trust, enhance cooperation and address respective concerns.”
China imposed preliminary anti-dumping duties on Canadian canola imports in August, following Canada’s announcement last year of a 100% tariff on Chinese-made electric vehicles. The tit-for-tat measures have added strain to already tense bilateral relations, which have been marked by disagreements over trade, technology, and foreign policy.
A statement from China’s foreign ministry said Wang expressed Beijing’s willingness to resume dialogue and cooperation at all levels and to work toward resolving each nation’s “legitimate concerns.”
See also: Canada and China Hold “Constructive” Trade Talks on EVs, Canola and Steel
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Thursday that he expected to meet senior Chinese leaders soon but declined to comment on whether Canada would consider lifting tariffs on Chinese EVs in exchange for easing restrictions on canola imports.
The discussions come as both countries seek to stabilize economic ties amid global trade uncertainty and rising competition in sectors such as clean technology and agriculture. While Friday’s talks did not produce any concrete agreements, they mark a tentative step toward rebuilding trust between Ottawa and Beijing.
Source: Reuters
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