Could China invest in a West Coast pipeline after Canada–China energy pact?

After ministerial energy talks, Canada says Chinese officials expressed interest in buying more Canadian energy products; analysts say Chinese investment in a proposed northwest B.C. bitumen pipeline is possible but faces political and financial hurdles.

Canada recently reopened ministerial-level energy talks with China and officials said Beijing signalled interest in buying more Canadian energy products. The discussion came alongside a broader agreement to pursue trade and investment across both clean and conventional energy. This development coincides with Alberta’s plan for a new bitumen pipeline to the northwest B.C. coast, a project designed to expand export capacity to Asia. The pipeline proposal remains without a private company formally committed and would be privately financed if built. Key points: - Canada's energy minister said Chinese officials expressed interest in buying more Canadian energy products. - Officials described the recent talks as a reset that could advance trade and investment across clean and conventional energy. - Alberta's proposed bitumen pipeline would reach the northwest B.C. coast and is projected to carry about one million barrels a day, but no private firm has yet backed the project. - Alberta intends to apply as the project's proponent while the plan calls for private construction and financing. - Analysts and former officials gave mixed views: some said China could be a major customer or joint investor, while others warned of poor returns and difficult political optics for Chinese ownership. - The federal government said it welcomes foreign investment but that new investments must support Canada's economic and security interests and are subject to review under the Investment Canada Act. Summary: The energy pact coincided with reported Chinese interest in more Canadian energy products and renewed dialogue at ministerial level. That has prompted discussion about whether China might invest in a proposed West Coast bitumen pipeline, though the project currently lacks a private proponent and faces political and financial questions. Undetermined at this time.