Beijing 19 July 2024 (TDI): Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mélanie Joly engaged in discussions on Friday, urging both parties to recommit to their initial goal of forging a strategic partnership and advancing the process of normalizing bilateral relations between China and Canada.
Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, expressed that China-Canada relations have encountered challenges and unexpected turns in recent years. This is not the desired outcome for China and demands thoughtful contemplation from the Canadian side.
According to Wang, there is no fundamental clash of interests between China and Canada, and the people of both nations have a long history of engaging in cordial interactions. China-Canada relations have consistently been a prominent aspect of China’s interactions with Western nations.
According to Wang, China and Canada, being significant nations with substantial influence in the Asia-Pacific region, have extensive mutual interests and complementary strengths. Effectively maintaining and advancing bilateral ties is crucial for promoting the core interests of both nations and their respective populations.
Wang emphasized the importance of both sides adopting an objective and rational perspective towards each other, treating each other with mutual respect, addressing differences by establishing common ground and temporarily setting aside disagreements, and enhancing collaboration based on the principles of equality and mutual advantages.
With the upcoming 20th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Canada strategic partnership, Wang emphasized the importance of both sides revisiting their initial intentions, learning from past experiences, sincerely upholding their commitment to establishing diplomatic ties, and actively contributing to the normalization of bilateral relations.
Wang emphasized the need for China and Canada to maintain their significant roles in driving economic and trade cooperation. He also said that both countries should engage in conversation and collaboration across many areas.
Joly discussed the extensive historical relationship between the Canadian and Chinese populations. She expressed Canada’s willingness to actively and pragmatically enhance and cultivate relations with China, while also emphasizing the importance of maintaining ongoing communication and dialogue.
Joly stated that Canada is prepared to enhance collaboration in areas such as the economy and trade, tourism, drug control, climate change, environmental protection, and people-to-people interchange to achieve mutually advantageous development. She observed that Canada will persist in adhering to the One-China policy.
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Wang urged the Canadian government to implement tangible measures to promote the interchange of personnel between the two countries, enhance people-to-people interactions, and enhance public support from both nations.
He stated that matters concerning Taiwan, Xizang, Xinjiang, and Hong Kong are considered China’s internal affairs and should not be subject to any external meddling.
