GYEONGJU – In a significant development for Canada-China relations, Prime Minister Mark Carney has characterized his recent meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping as a “turning point.” This encounter, which took place on the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea, marks a critical moment in the diplomatic discourse between the two nations, which Carney described as long overdue.

During their meeting, Xi Jinping extended an invitation for Carney to visit China. This invitation signifies a noteworthy thaw in what have been strained relations in recent years. Carney expressed optimism about the potential visit, which would be historic as it would represent the first official trip to China by a Canadian prime minister since Justin Trudeau's attempt to initiate trade talks back in 2017.

Despite the positive tone surrounding the meeting, Carney refrained from addressing specific questions regarding whether the discussions had produced any changes in the bilateral trade relationship. Trade tensions have been a persistent issue, particularly as Canadian canola producers, seafood exporters, and pork farmers grapple with high Chinese tariffs. These tariffs were implemented in response to Canadian tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, highlighting the complexities of trade relations between the two countries.

This interaction between Carney and Xi underscores the importance of diplomatic engagement in navigating international trade challenges and could potentially pave the way for more constructive dialogue in the future. The recent developments indicate that both nations might be willing to explore avenues for cooperation, which could have significant implications for Canadian industries affected by current trade barriers.

The meeting, held in Gyeongju on October 31, 2025, signals a possible shift in the dynamics of Canada-China relations, and both leaders seem to acknowledge the necessity of rebuilding trust and communication moving forward.