Mark Carney in China positions Canada for the world as it is

In Beijing, Prime Minister Mark Carney secured a preliminary, provisional trade agreement with China that includes allowing up to 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles into Canada and temporary tariff reductions on several Canadian farm and seafood exports; the trip is being framed as a reset in relations while critics warn of risks to Canadian workers and dependency.

Prime Minister Mark Carney visited Beijing and announced a "preliminary, provisional agreement" with China. The visit is the first time in nearly a decade that a Canadian prime minister has been welcomed in Beijing. The announced package includes access for Chinese electric vehicles and temporary tariff reductions on Canadian agricultural and seafood exports. Carney presented the outcome as positioning Canada for a changing global order and said Ottawa must accept "the world as it is, not as we wish it to be." Key facts: - The agreement was described as "preliminary, provisional" and was announced during Carney's meetings in Beijing. - It includes permission for up to 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles to enter the Canadian market. - China agreed to lower tariffs on Canadian canola, lobsters, seafood and peas from March until the end of the year. - Supporters and some analysts called the visit a reset after years of strained ties and said it could help diversify Canada's export relationships away from heavy reliance on the United States. - Critics, including opposition politicians and some provincial leaders, expressed concern about the potential impact on Canadian workers and the risks of deeper economic dependence on China. Summary: The trip is intended to recalibrate Canada–China relations and to broaden Canada's trade options amid concerns about over-reliance on the United States. Domestic reaction is mixed, with supporters highlighting a diplomatic reset and opponents warning of economic and strategic risks. Undetermined at this time.