“On this trip, I will strive for a closer, more balanced relationship between Canada and China – one that unlocks the untapped potential in our two countries’ commercial ties, and advances important issues like good governance, the rule of law and the environment”, Trudeau said in a press release last week.
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Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland says bilateral ties can not deepen until the matter is resolved.
Trudeau introduced Xi to Canadian ambassador Guy Saint-Jacques and three of his cabinet ministers: International Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland, Finance Minister Bill Morneau and Foreign Affairs Minister Stephane Dion.
Former Canadian diplomat Charles Burton said joining the bank would signal that Canada is prepared to see China take a seat at the table in terms of having input on the global economic landscape.
Trudeau said the two leaders wanted to expand trade and investment in areas including energy, clean technology and agriculture, and to increase tourism and cultural cooperation.
“Membership in the AIIB is an opportunity to do just that”.
So China at least seems willing to play nice as Trudeau makes his first direct foray into Canada-Chinese relations. The AIIB has already approved four loans totaling $509 million to fund infrastructure projects in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Indonesia, according to the Xinhua News Agency.
“This year marks 45 years of diplomatic relations between Canada and China”, Trudeau said as he stood beside Li in the Great Hall of the People, which overlooks Tiananmen Square.
He delivered a speech and answered almost an hour’s worth questions from Alibaba founder Jack Ma and members of the China Entrepreneur Club at the first event of his official visit to China.
Trudeau is also expected to meet Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang, e-retail giant Alibaba’s founder Jack Ma, and Hong Kong multimillionaire Li Ka-Shing, a shareholder in Canada-based Husky Energy, among others.
They were due to come into force on Thursday, but Premier Li said Wednesday that the existing rules would continue to apply while the two countries negotiate a long-term agreement.
With Trudeau by his side, Li said China would grant consular access in such cases if they involved foreigners.
He noted that while China itself is a large canola producer, it has no intention to keep its door closed to other exporters.
However, the poll also revealed that fewer Canadians believe the human rights situation in China is improving. Garratt was arrested in August 2014.
China is Canada’s top export market for the oilseed, and Ottawa has taken a strong line in talks on a new standard, which may raise costs for exporters.
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The four projects approved earlier this year addressed numerous concerns western countries had about the new bank, he said, including that China would use it to advance its own strategic and commercial interests.
