Archive · 31 Oct 2025
Xi Jinping Invites Canadian PM to Beijing in First Meet in 8 Years
Leaders from China, Canada, and Japan met at a big international meeting in South Korea.
China's President Xi Jinping invited Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney to visit China, marking their first formal meeting in eight years.
Their countries have had a difficult relationship since 2018, with issues like trade tariffs and detained citizens.
Both leaders agreed that talking is important to fix problems and improve how their countries get along.
President Xi also met with Japan's new leader, Sanae Takaichi.
Japan has concerns about China's military actions and wants to work together on international issues, while also making sure trade, like for rare earth minerals, continues smoothly.
Chinese President Xi Jinping invited Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to China for talks.
This was the first formal meeting between the leaders of China and Canada in eight years.
The meetings took place on the sidelines of the APEC summit in South Korea.
Xi Jinping also met with Japan's Premier Sanae Takaichi for the first time.
Both China and Canada are facing trade tariffs, and Canada has concerns about canola and steel imports, while Japan has concerns over China's military activities.
- Who
- Chinese President Xi Jinping, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and Japan's Premier Sanae Takaichi
- What
- Xi Jinping invited Canadian PM Carney to China for talks. Xi also met with Japan's Premier Takaichi. Both meetings focused on bilateral relations, trade issues, and international cooperation.
- When
- Friday
- Where
- On the sidelines of the APEC summit in South Korea
- Why
- To improve diplomatic ties, discuss trade issues, and address bilateral concerns between China and Canada, and China and Japan.
Canada's Stance
China's Stance
Bilateral Relations
Canada's Stance
Prime Minister Mark Carney accepted President Xi's invitation to Beijing, acknowledging that Canada and China have "not been as engaged" in recent years and emphasizing the need for "constructive and pragmatic dialogue" to address "current issues" and help build a more sustainable international system.
China's Stance
President Xi Jinping stated that "China-Canada relations have shown a recovery toward a trend of positive development" and that China is willing to work with Canada to bring their relations "back to the right track."
Trade Issues
Canada's Stance
Canada has imposed an additional 25% tariff on steel imports containing steel melted and poured in China, and Prime Minister Carney views the current trade landscape as part of a gone "old world of steady expansion of rules-based liberalised trade and investment."
China's Stance
China announced a temporary customs duty of 75.8% on Canadian canola imports, though President Xi expressed a willingness to work with Canada to resolve outstanding trade issues.
- Event
- APEC Summit
- Location
- South Korea
- Key Meeting 1
- Chinese President Xi Jinping and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney
- Key Meeting 2
- Chinese President Xi Jinping and Japan's Premier Sanae Takaichi
- Canada-China Relations History
- Strained since 2018 due to detention of two Canadians and a Chinese executive. Tariffs imposed on canola and steel.
- Japan-China Relations Concerns
- Japan's premier expressed grave concerns over China's military activities and stated goal to increase defense spending. Japan also backs Taiwan and seeks release of detained citizens.
Sources
Canada’s Carney to meet China’s Xi in South Korea
Xi to meet Canadian, Japanese leaders after Trump trade truce
Thailand says PM to meet China’s Xi at APEC summit
Xi Jinping to Meet Canadian, Japanese Leaders After Trade Truce With Trump
Xi set to meet Canadian, Japanese leaders after Trump trade truce
Xi Jinping to meet Canada's Mark Carney, Japan's Takaichi after trade truce with Trump: What to expect?
Thaw in China-Canada ties? Xi Jinping invites PM Mark Carney to Beijing post first formal meeting in 8 years
