Londoners with roots in China say Mark Carney visit is a starting point

Two London residents with roots in China say Prime Minister Mark Carney's four-day visit to China, the first by a Canadian prime minister since 2017, is a starting point for improving relations and trade.

Prime Minister Mark Carney is beginning a four-day visit to China this week, the first visit by a Canadian prime minister since 2017. The trip is described as part of an effort by Canada to broaden its trade relationships beyond its ties with the United States. Two London, Ontario residents with roots in China told CBC News they view the visit as an initial step rather than a solution. Both raised trade and travel issues while also noting concerns about human rights and past diplomatic tensions. What is known: - Carney's visit to China lasts four days and is the first by a Canadian prime minister since 2017. - Two London residents interviewed — Crystal Ren and Carmel Tse — said they view the visit as a starting point for renewed dialogue. - Ren, a business student in Beijing, noted the scale of China's market and observed more Western brands in Chinese storefronts compared with earlier visits. - Tse, a municipal employee and former Chinese Canadian National Council member, highlighted the current visa process for Canadians visiting China as cumbersome. - The article recalls recent strains in economic ties, including Canadian tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles and retaliatory Chinese tariffs on some Canadian products, and mentions two Canadians detained in China from 2018 for three years. Summary: The visit may open discussions on trade, tariffs and travel arrangements between Canada and China. The immediate next step is Mr. Carney's four-day trip; longer-term outcomes remain undetermined at this time.