Premier Li Highlights China-Canada Relations as Opportunities for Growth, Not Threats

Chinese Premier Li Qiang emphasized on Friday that the ongoing development of China and Canada should be seen as an opportunity rather than a threat, marking a significant call for renewed engagement between the two nations. During a phone conversation with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Li highlighted the shared tradition of friendship and mutual benefit that has historically characterized relations between the two countries, reiterating that there are no fundamental conflicts of interest at play.

Premier Li noted that Canada was among the first Western countries to forge diplomatic ties with the People's Republic of China, placing the bilateral relationship at the forefront of China’s interactions with Western nations for many years. He acknowledged, however, that relations have recently faced “serious difficulties” owing to what he described as unnecessary disruptions. Li called on both sides to work together, encouraging Canada to adopt an objective and rational perspective on China’s development, with a view to fostering prosperity and mutual success.

Li stressed that China is prepared to collaborate with Canada in a spirit of looking ahead, aiming to restore the relationship to a trajectory of steady and sound development. He stressed the potential for win-win cooperation, noting that the two economies are highly complementary. Looking forward, Li identified vast untapped potential for partnership, urging both countries to not only deepen traditional areas of cooperation but also expand into emerging fields such as clean energy, climate change, and scientific and technological innovation. Moreover, he underlined the importance of strengthening people-to-people connections and enhancing economic and trade exchanges.

The Chinese premier encouraged both governments to actively listen to their populations, address concerns, and take tangible steps to bolster bilateral understanding and trust. Li further expressed China's willingness to engage on the basis of equality and mutual respect, working to broaden common ground while managing differences through dialogue in diverse areas. He advocated for addressing each other's concerns appropriately, insisting that the success of bilateral relations requires pragmatic, forward-looking engagement.

Amid growing global uncertainty, rising unilateralism, and protectionist tendencies, Li indicated China’s readiness to partner with Canada in safeguarding multilateralism and free trade. He underscored the need for both nations to support economic globalization and ensure the multilateral trading system progresses correctly, thereby contributing to greater global peace and development.

For his part, Prime Minister Mark Carney acknowledged the deep-rooted friendship between Canada and China, noting that China remains Canada’s second-largest trading partner despite recent setbacks in the relationship. Carney stated that Canada is open to restarting its relationship with China, expressing hope for the resumption of high-level exchanges and dialogue mechanisms—particularly in diplomacy, economy, and trade.

Carney further articulated Canada’s aspiration to advance practical cooperation across sectors such as trade, agriculture, energy, and environmental protection. As the international landscape grows more complex, he signaled Canada’s willingness to enhance communication and coordination with China, aiming to jointly uphold the international financial and trading systems and contribute to sustainable global development.