Canada's leader visits China to rebuild ties and reduce U.S. dependence

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is visiting China this week to rebuild relations and said he aims to double Canada's non-U.S. exports over the next decade.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is visiting China this week for the first time in nearly a decade as part of an effort to rebuild relations and to reduce Canada's economic dependence on the United States. He has announced a goal to double Canada's non-U.S. exports over the next decade. Carney will remain in China until Saturday, after which he plans to visit Qatar and then attend the World Economic Forum in Switzerland. The trip follows recent trade tensions and a period of strained relations between Canada and China. Key facts: - Mark Carney arrived in Beijing on Wednesday and is scheduled to stay through Saturday. - He announced an objective to double Canada’s exports to markets other than the United States within the next ten years. - Canada and the United States have applied tariffs on certain Chinese goods, including a reported 100% tariff on electric vehicles and a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum; China has applied tariffs on some Canadian exports such as canola, seafood and pork. - Chinese officials, including a Foreign Ministry spokesperson, have said they look forward to Carney’s visit as a chance to consolidate improving relations. - Carney met Chinese leader Xi Jinping in October at APEC, and he has also been engaged in efforts to mend relations with India, with a visit to India expected later this year. Summary: Carney’s visit is presented as a diplomatic effort to broaden Canada’s trade relationships amid recent international trade disruptions and tariff measures. It is expected to include talks with Chinese officials and will be followed by stops in Qatar and attendance at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland, with a visit to India anticipated later in the year.