Canada's reengagement with China shows progress but long-term effects are unclear

Prime Minister Mark Carney met President Xi Jinping in Beijing and announced preliminary trade measures, including reduced tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles in exchange for lower Chinese duties on Canadian farm products.

Prime Minister Mark Carney visited Beijing this week and met President Xi Jinping as part of efforts to restore Canada-China ties. The meetings took place amid wider uncertainty about U.S. policy under President Donald Trump, which officials and analysts said shaped the talks. Carney described the visit as yielding preliminary trade agreements and invoked the idea of "strategic autonomy" to lessen Canada's economic reliance on the United States. He also noted cultural differences when asked about human rights and met with several leading Chinese companies while in Beijing. Key facts: - Carney and Xi met in Beijing and announced preliminary trade measures between Canada and China. - Canada agreed to lift a 100% tariff on Chinese electric vehicles in exchange for lower Chinese tariffs on Canadian farm products, according to Carney. - Carney said the arrangement would start with an annual cap of 49,000 Chinese EVs at a 6.1% tariff, rising to about 70,000 over five years, and that China would reduce its canola seed tariff from 84% to about 15%. - Chinese state media framed the talks using the term "strategic autonomy" and cited concerns about economic fragmentation and geopolitical uncertainty. - Some analysts said the outcomes could drive a wedge between Canada and the United States, and President Trump publicly commended Carney for reaching a deal. Summary: The announced measures represent a step toward renewed economic engagement between Canada and China, as described by Canadian officials. The agreements were presented as preliminary and the Chinese side provided fewer specifics, so the long-term impact on Canada-U.S.-China relations remains uncertain. Undetermined at this time.