China Expresses Interest in Enhanced Trade with Canada Amid U.S. Tensions
China seeks to strengthen trade with Canada amid U.S. tariffs, urging against pressure to choose sides. Ambassador Wang Di emphasizes mutual benefits in trade relations and readiness for free-trade discussions if Canadian restrictions are lifted, despite existing tariffs impacting both nations.
Wang Di, Beijing’s ambassador to Canada, has expressed China’s desire to enhance trade relations with Canada as the United States continues its global trade conflict. He warned that the U.S. should not pressure Canada into choosing between itself and China, as this could further disrupt the global economy. This statement comes in the wake of Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly confirming that China executed four Canadians earlier this year for alleged drug-related offenses.
At a recent trade promotion event hosted by the Chinese embassy in Ottawa, Mr. Wang noted that trade between China and Canada continues to grow despite the strained relations experienced in recent years. He indicated that China is open to considering a free-trade agreement, pending Canada’s removal of various trade restrictions, some of which were implemented citing national security concerns.
Despite being China’s second-largest trading partner, Canada recently enacted a series of restrictions on Chinese goods, prompting retaliatory tariffs from China on Canadian agricultural exports. Wang expressed disapproval of any country using China as a bargaining instrument in international relations, stating that such actions undermine mutual benefits. He asserted, “We believe that when one country is developing relations with another country, it should be beneficial and helpful to the relations of all countries among the international community, instead of sacrificing other countries’ interests.”
Following the U.S. lead, the Canadian government imposed a 100 percent tariff on Chinese electric vehicles last fall to protect its automotive market. Additionally, a 25 percent tariff was placed on Chinese steel and aluminum imports due to alleged poor environmental and labor practices by China. In retaliation, China imposed a 100 percent tariff on Canadian canola and a 25 percent levy on pork last Thursday.
In summary, China’s ambassador to Canada underscored the importance of enhancing trade ties amidst the ongoing U.S. trade conflict and warned against coercive practices that could destabilize the global economy. Despite existing trade strains and tariffs on both sides, opportunities for dialogue and free-trade negotiations persist, contingent upon changes to Canadian trade restrictions. The evolving dynamics highlight the complexities in international trade relations and the broader impact of geopolitical tensions.
Original Source: globalnews.ca
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