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Trudeau lightens approach to woo China

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau guest coached a kids’ basketball game in China today against a team guided by towering ex-NBA star Yao Ming.

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Chinese and Canadian firms have signed 56 deals worth more than $C1.2 billion ($A1.22 billion) at a ceremony, Canadian trade minister Chrystia Freeland says.

The famous tourist destination set the backdrop for Trudeau’s announcement that the two countries would collaborate on the development of China’s national parks.

“That’s why Canada has used opportunities to express its views to China”, Saint-Jacques said.

After meeting with Li in Beijing on Wednesday, Trudeau announced Canada’s intention to apply to join the China-backed Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).

He is scheduled to deliver what one senior government official described as an important speech Thursday at a gala hosted by the Canada China Business Council.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Sophie Gregoire and Ella-Grace walk atop a section of the Great Wall of China during their visit, in Beijing on Thursday, September 1, 2016. I am encouraged by the discussions today, and know they will go a long way in fostering understanding between our two countries and creating opportunities for our middle class.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and wife Sophie Gregoire wave as they and daughter Ella-Grace arrive in Hangzhou, China, Saturday, Sept. 3, 2016.

Trudeau and Chinese President Xi Jinping have agreed to establish annual meetings on a range of issues, including national security and the rule of law.

Trudeau’s in China to strengthen Canada’s business and cultural ties with the world’s second-largest economy and an expanding middle class.

Trudeau, centre, with China’s Ambassador to Canada Luo Zhaohui, left, and Canada’s Ambassador to China Guy Saint-Jacques on the Great Wall in Beijing. Jacques noted that at the moment, visa offices were only present in areas where the country has diplomatic representatives.

The Government of Canada remains committed to build and renew relationships with global partners in order to increase trade, attract worldwide investment, and grow Canada’s middle class. Chinese tourist travel to Canada rose 24 percent in the first six months of this year, helped by new direct flights to Montréal and Calgary.

China wants Canada to cut the level of foreign contaminants, known as dockage, considered acceptable in its canola exports, by more than half.

Trudeau also met Thursday with Zhang Dejiang, chairman of the National People’s Congress at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

He met with Daniel Lamarre, the CEO of Cirque du Soleil, and his Chinese partner, Fosun, with whom he spoke about the success of the iconic Canadian entertainment company.

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Trudeau would conclude his eight-day visit to China by attending the G20 leaders’ summit this weekend.

THE CANADIAN PRESS  Adrian Wyld