OTTAWA — Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday at a summit in South Korea. Carney plans to address a range of topics beyond trade, marking the first formal meeting between the leaders of Canada and China since former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's visit to China in 2017. The relationship between the two countries deteriorated in 2018 after Canada arrested a Chinese telecom executive at the request of the United States, leading to China's detention of two Canadian citizens, which Canada described as arbitrary.

The agenda for the meeting is expected to cover several critical issues, including tariffs. In October 2024, Canada imposed a 100 percent tariff on Chinese electric vehicles and other goods, citing unfair competition. In retaliation, China placed tariffs on Canadian canola, seafood, and pork products. China's ambassador in Ottawa indicated that Beijing would lift its tariffs if Canada rescinded its electric vehicle levies. Some provincial leaders have urged Carney to consider this, while Ontario argues that the tariffs are necessary for the auto sector's transition to greener practices amid U.S. trade pressures.

Environmental collaboration is another significant topic. Carney has expressed optimism about engaging with China on energy and manufacturing, noting that China is sincere about addressing climate change. Despite being one of the largest emitters of greenhouse gases, China is also a leader in clean technology. The two countries previously collaborated on a United Nations biodiversity summit in Montreal in 2022, despite ongoing diplomatic tensions.

Foreign interference remains a contentious issue. A federal inquiry in January identified China as the most active perpetrator of foreign interference in Canada’s democratic institutions. The report highlighted that Beijing poses a sophisticated cyber threat and uses social media for disinformation campaigns. Carney has labeled China as Canada’s biggest security threat, a claim that China has denied, arguing that it lacks evidence and perpetuates negative stereotypes.

The meeting may also touch on consular cases. In early 2025, China executed four Canadian citizens, claiming they were dual nationals prosecuted for drug offenses. Robert Schellenberg, a Canadian citizen, has been on death row in China since 2019 for drug smuggling, a sentence Canada has deemed arbitrary. Additionally, there are calls for the Canadian government to grant honorary citizenship to Jimmy Lai, a publisher detained under Hong Kong's national security law.

Taiwan is another sensitive topic. China maintains its One China policy, asserting that Taiwan is not a separate country. Despite this, Canada has strengthened its business and security ties with Taiwan, participating in naval exercises in the Taiwan Strait, which China views unfavorably. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand has stated that while Canada will continue to engage with Taiwan, it remains committed to the One China policy.

Arctic sovereignty is also on the agenda. China has positioned itself as a near-Arctic state, seeking to develop shipping routes and natural resources in the region. Canada’s Arctic foreign policy document emphasizes cooperation with China on global issues like climate change while being cautious about Chinese research requests in Canadian waters.

Anand recently described China as a strategic partner, a shift from previous characterizations of Beijing as a disruptive global power. This change aims to establish a framework for dialogue on contentious issues. Carney has indicated that discussions with Xi will include the evolution of the global system, potentially addressing United Nations reforms and debt financing for climate resilience in developing countries.

Both leaders have expressed a desire to uphold a rules-based international order, although their interpretations differ significantly. China’s foreign ministry has stated that it seeks to build ties with Canada based on mutual respect and shared interests. Carney is also expected to visit China next year for the APEC summit, continuing a long-standing tradition of Canadian prime ministers attending this meeting.