China Seeks Increased Trade With Canada Amid U.S. Tariffs

Beijing's ambassador to Canada, Wang Di, has expressed China's interest in increasing trade with Canada amidst ongoing U.S. trade tensions. He cautioned against Washington pressuring Canada to choose sides, as this could destabilize the global economy. Wang indicated that China is open to discussing a free-trade agreement, contingent upon Canada lifting its trade restrictions, some of which were implemented for national security reasons. Recent Canadian tariffs on Chinese goods, including electric vehicles, have prompted retaliatory tariffs from China on Canadian agricultural exports. Wang criticized any attempt to use China as a 'bargaining chip' in international relations, advocating for mutually beneficial trade relationships. The backdrop of these discussions includes rising tensions and previous trade negotiations that faltered in 2018.