MUNICH, Germany – China and Canada are seeking to strengthen ties, with Beijing expressing its willingness to work with Ottawa to foster a “healthy, stable and sustainable” bilateral relationship. The commitment came during a meeting between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Canadian counterpart, Anita Anand, on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
The discussion signals a potential thaw in relations between the two countries, which have faced challenges in recent years. Wang Yi highlighted the positive outcomes of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to China in January, describing it as a demonstration of Canada’s new approach to its relationship with China. This new policy, he asserted, serves the mutual interests of both nations and represents a “wise choice.” The focus on Canada-China relations is a key element in the evolving geopolitical landscape.
A New Strategic Partnership
According to statements from both sides, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Carney reached a consensus on establishing a new strategic partnership between China and Canada. This agreement is intended to provide a strategic framework for the further development of their bilateral ties. Wang Yi emphasized China’s readiness to collaborate with Canada to implement this consensus, overcome obstacles, and revitalize exchanges and cooperation across various sectors. The aim is to ensure a “healthy, stable and sustainable” development of the relationship, a sentiment echoed by Minister Anand.
The recent visit by Prime Minister Carney to China appears to have yielded tangible results. Beijing is expected to reduce tariffs on Canadian canola imports, a significant boon for Canadian agricultural producers. Chinese authorities are set to grant Canadians visa-free travel to China, easing travel restrictions and potentially boosting tourism and people-to-people exchanges. Though, these developments are occurring against a backdrop of potential trade tensions, as the United States has threatened to impose tariffs on Canadian products if the deal with China proceeds, arguing it could lead to China “dumping goods” into the North American market, according to reports.
Addressing Concerns of ‘Interference’
During their meeting, Wang Yi also urged Canada to work jointly to “eliminate interference,” a statement that comes amid ongoing concerns about alleged foreign interference in Canadian affairs. The specific nature of this “interference” was not detailed in public statements, but it reflects a broader pattern of Chinese officials calling for greater cooperation in addressing perceived security threats. The Chinese Foreign Ministry readout of the meeting stated Wang’s willingness to work with Canada to address these issues.
Minister Anand, for her part, described Prime Minister Carney’s visit as “very successful” and a harbinger of a “new era” in Canada-China relations. She expressed gratitude for the visa-free travel arrangement for Canadian citizens and voiced hope for continued dialogue and cooperation, strengthened people-to-people ties, and the promotion of a positive and stable development of bilateral relations. The shift in tone from both sides suggests a concerted effort to move beyond past disagreements and forge a more constructive path forward.
The Case of Robert Lloyd Schellenberg
Adding a further positive note to the evolving relationship, China has overturned the death sentence of Canadian citizen Robert Lloyd Schellenberg, who was detained in China on drug charges in 2014. A Canadian official confirmed the development in February, though details surrounding the decision remain limited. This move could be seen as a gesture of goodwill from Beijing, potentially aimed at easing tensions and fostering a more positive atmosphere for bilateral engagement. The overturning of the sentence comes as Canada and China attempt to rebuild trust and address outstanding issues.
The meeting between Wang Yi and Anita Anand took place within the context of the Munich Security Conference, a major international forum for discussing global security challenges. Wang Yi also met with a number of other Western leaders during the conference, signaling China’s desire to present itself as a stable and reliable partner in a world facing increasing uncertainty. The conference provided a valuable opportunity for diplomatic engagement and underscored the importance of dialogue in navigating complex international relations.
Looking ahead, the implementation of the agreements reached during Prime Minister Carney’s visit – particularly the reduction of tariffs on canola and the visa-free travel arrangement – will be key indicators of the success of this renewed effort to strengthen Canada-China ties. Further discussions are expected on addressing concerns related to “interference” and ensuring a level playing field for trade. The next steps in this evolving relationship will be closely watched by both countries and the international community.
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