Carney's meeting in China faces long-standing obstacles

Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to meet President Xi Jinping in Beijing in mid-January amid recent Chinese live-fire exercises near Taiwan and Ottawa's decision to revive the term "strategic partner" for China.

Prime Minister Mark Carney is scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing in mid-January as part of efforts to mend ties and pursue trade discussions. The meeting takes place against a backdrop of heightened regional tensions after reported Chinese live-fire exercises near Taiwan. Ottawa has revived the 2005 phrase "strategic partner" to describe China during a period of recalibration. The article notes past strains between the two countries, including retaliatory detentions of Canadians and long-standing difficulties in securing market access. Key facts: - Prime Minister Mark Carney will meet President Xi Jinping in Beijing in mid-January, reported as a diplomatic and trade-focused visit. - The article reports that China recently conducted live-fire military exercises in the seas surrounding Taiwan, contributing to regional tension. - Ottawa has described China once again as a "strategic partner," reviving language from a 2005 framework. - The piece notes prior bilateral strains, including the detention of Canadians and limited progress expanding market access in China. Summary: The mid-January meeting is presented as an attempt to recalibrate diplomatic and trade relations while regional and bilateral tensions persist. The next scheduled step is the Carney–Xi meeting in Beijing in mid-January.