The pair oversaw the signing of deals, including a film co-production agreement.
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“By supporting this institution that’s primarily initiated by China indicates that we’re trying to build trust that China will use this institution for the greater good in a liberal, internationalist way and not simply as a device to expand its geopolitical reach, ” said Burton, a political scientist at Brock University. Asked about the remarks, Saint-Jacques denied that the two sides had agreed to begin formal negotiations.
Trudeau and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang agreed to annual meetings and the eventual establishment of a mechanism to discuss national security and rule of law.
Chrystia Freeland, part of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s delegation in China, said she understands the “absolute importance” of the two countries’ trade relationship, which includes billions of dollars worth of canola shipments.
Ritz suggested there is still room for Canada to forge a free trade deal with China, even though government officials have played down any notion that such a deal could be on the table.
The commentary also points out that China is not the only hope on which Canada’s fate is hinged.
“Investments in infrastructure can contribute to long-term growth and help ensure a better quality of life for the middle class – it’s a belief that applies at home and overseas”, Andree-Lyne Halle wrote in an email.
“Our message to the prime minister is not, “Don’t pursue trade”; our message is, ‘Pursue trade in a way that is entirely grounded in human rights'”.
Takeovers of Canadian firms by Chinese state-owned enterprises have proved highly controversial in the past. He is expected to meet with Chinese government leaders, businesspersons, and members of the general public. With an increasingly skeptical population at home, including a business community not certain that free trade with China is in their best interests, expectations are low for a dramatic economic breakthrough during his week in the country.
The US$100 billion AIIB counts several major European countries among its shareholders after they joined up despite the objections of the United States.
Both sides should take a flexible attitude on the canola issue, he said.
The two countries should send a signal to the global community to defend the liberalization of worldwide trade and promote simpler implementation of investments, according to the Chinese premier.
Nor has the country forgotten how Trudeau’s father, Pierre Trudeau, was among the first western leaders to recognize “new China” when he established diplomatic ties in 1970, later becoming the first Canadian PM to travel there in 1973. “So, I’m very happy to be extending that effort now”. Trudeau was also greeted by a Chinese honour guard, ceremonial cannon blasts and a booming rendition of “O Canada”, which echoed across Tiananmen.
Trudeau, who officials said would raise the matter, says Canada wants more foreign investment while ensuring Canadian firms enjoy access to Chinese markets.
Canadian authorities say they are anxious about Garratt’s health, as he has an irregular heartbeat.
Trudeau did not provide details on his talks with Li about Garratt.
Garratt’s family said on Wednesday they were “extremely frustrated and disappointed” with the lack on progress in freeing him.
The ambassador said the prime minister also spoke about individual consular cases, including Canadian Kevin Garratt, who was indicted on charges of espionage.
During a news conference Tuesday in Ottawa, a coalition of advocacy groups including Amnesty International urged Trudeau not to squander the chance to encourage China to take meaningful steps on human rights.
“It is penny wise and pound foolish to spoil China-Canada ties with these domestic concerns in Canada”, the commentary reads.
But he added that over the last three years, the country has been moving backwards on personal freedoms, particularly when it comes to the Internet.
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It was a sunny view of the role Canada might play in nudging Beijing – one hard to square with a country that under President Xi Jinping has intensified an internal crackdown on dissidents and spurned global opposition with a newly assertive foreign policy.
