Champagne described the discussions as an important step towards maintaining dialogue and expanding commercial cooperation between the two economies. (Ethan Cairns/The Canadian Press via AP) Canada has signed new economic agreements with China following high-level discussions in Vancouver, as Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government looks to strengthen trade ties with Beijing and ease tensions with Washington after US President Donald Trump dropped a trade-related demand. Canadian Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne and International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu hosted Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng for discussions aimed at advancing economic cooperation between the two countries. The agreements come at a time when Ottawa is seeking to manage its relationship with both Washington and Beijing. Canada has traditionally maintained close economic ties with the United States, but recent trade tensions have encouraged the government to explore opportunities to diversify its international partnerships. Champagne described the discussions as an important step towards maintaining dialogue and expanding commercial cooperation between the two economies. “As two major economies with significant commercial ties, Canada and China share an interest in maintaining an open dialogue and advancing economic cooperation,” Champagne said. The latest agreements signal an effort by Ottawa to maintain engagement with Beijing despite broader geopolitical and economic tensions. However, the specific terms of the newly signed agreements have not been detailed in the available announcement. Carney is also scheduled to travel to Shenzhen, China, to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. His visit is expected to provide another opportunity for discussions on trade, investment and economic relations between the two countries. The developments follow a shift in the trade dispute involving the Trump administration, which has dropped a demand directed at Canada. The change has come as Ottawa continues to navigate pressure from its largest trading partner while pursuing stronger economic links elsewhere. China remains an important market for Canadian businesses, although relations between the two countries have faced challenges in recent years. For Carney’s government, the latest agreements represent an attempt to keep economic channels open with Beijing while managing its longstanding relationship with the United States. The outcome of the discussions and the details of the agreements could help indicate how far Canada intends to expand its economic engagement with China. Working as Copy Editor at the Business Desk of Times Now Digital. Dedicated towards crafting interesting financial stories. Previously covered financi... View More