Beijing’s ambassador to Canada, Wang Di, has called on Ottawa to deepen trade ties with China and resist pressure from the United States to take sides in escalating global trade tensions. Speaking at a trade promotion event hosted by the Chinese embassy in Ottawa, Wang emphasized that trade between the two countries continues to grow, despite a backdrop of diplomatic friction.
Wang warned against what he described as Washington’s efforts to turn Canada into a pawn in a broader economic standoff. “The U.S. should not force Canada to choose between the U.S. and China,” he stated, noting such polarization could further destabilize the global economy.
His comments follow heightened tensions after Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly confirmed that China executed four Canadian nationals earlier this year for alleged drug-related offenses. The executions have drawn sharp criticism and added new strain to the already fragile relationship between the two nations.
Nevertheless, Wang signaled that Beijing remains open to repairing trade ties and even revisiting discussions around a free trade agreement—provided Canada lifts several recent restrictions on Chinese imports. Talks on a potential trade deal between the two nations collapsed in 2018.
China is currently Canada’s second-largest trading partner, yet the relationship has become increasingly volatile. Last year, Canada followed the U.S. in imposing steep tariffs on key Chinese imports, including 100 percent duties on electric vehicles and a 25 percent tariff on steel and aluminum. Ottawa cited concerns over unfair trade practices, as well as environmental and labor standards.
In response, China announced retaliatory tariffs last week, including a 100 percent levy on Canadian canola and 25 percent on pork exports. These moves mark the latest escalation in an ongoing tit-for-tat trade battle, which could further impact Canadian farmers and exporters.
Wang reiterated Beijing’s opposition to what it views as trade policy being used as a diplomatic bargaining tool. “When one country is developing relations with another, it should not sacrifice other countries’ interests,” he said, urging Canada to pursue an independent and balanced foreign policy.
As global economic tensions continue to mount, Canada now faces a critical decision: align closely with Washington’s increasingly confrontational approach to China or pursue a more nuanced path aimed at preserving its trade ties with the world’s second-largest economy.
