Canada is moving closer to China amid worsening relations with the United States, with Prime Minister Mark Carney announcing a “new strategic partnership” during a historic visit to Beijing on Friday that includes a break with Washington on tariffs, according to NBC News. Carney, the first Canadian leader to visit China since 2017, met President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People as both countries seek relief from U.S. tariffs imposed under President Donald Trump, which have strained their economies.
As part of efforts to “recalibrate” ties after years of diplomatic tensions, Carney said Canada would cut its 100% tariff on Chinese electric vehicles in exchange for lower tariffs on Canadian farm products and allow visa-free travel for Canadians, describing China as a more “predictable” partner despite previously calling it Canada’s biggest security threat.
During the talks, Xi said China was willing to strengthen coordination “to jointly address global challenges,” while Carney acknowledged that “we take the world as it is, not as we wish it to be,” as Canada seeks to diversify trade away from the U.S. following months of tariffs, threats, and stalled negotiations.