China hails Carney visit as symbolic as Canada seeks to steady relations

Summary:

• China calls Carney’s visit pivotal and symbolic

• Beijing signals willingness to rebuild trust with Canada

• Ottawa strikes cooperative, forward-looking tone

• Visit hints at tentative reset after strained relations

• Near-term symbolism outweighs immediate policy substance

China and Canada struck a conciliatory tone on bilateral relations as China’s foreign minister described Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit as having “pivotal” and “symbolic” significance, signalling a potential reset after several years of strained ties.

In comments released by China’s foreign ministry, Wang Yi said Beijing was willing to enhance mutual trust, improve communication and eliminate interference in order to deepen cooperation with Canada. The remarks underscore China’s interest in stabilising relations with a G7 economy at a time when geopolitical fragmentation and trade realignment are reshaping global supply chains.

Canada’s foreign minister Mélanie Joly echoed the forward-looking tone, saying both sides would continue to make progress together over the short and long term for the benefit of people in both countries. While no concrete policy measures were announced, the language marked a notable shift toward engagement after years dominated by disputes over security, trade barriers and diplomatic tensions.

Carney’s visit comes as Ottawa reassesses its international economic strategy amid slower global growth and rising competition for investment and export markets. For Beijing, the outreach fits with a broader push to reduce diplomatic isolation and shore up ties with advanced economies even as relations with the United States remain tense.

The symbolism of the visit may matter more than immediate outcomes. Improved dialogue could eventually smooth cooperation in areas such as climate policy, agriculture, education and selective trade, while also lowering the risk of further escalation in politically sensitive sectors. Markets will be watching for any follow-through, particularly given Canada’s exposure to global commodities and China’s role as a major end-market, but for now the visit appears aimed at rebuilding trust rather than delivering near-term deals.