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Recently Mr. Han Tao, Chargé d'affaires a.i. of the Chinese Embassy in Canada wrote an article titled "Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Visit to China Injects New Impetus into the Development of China-Canada Relations", explaining the achievements of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's visit to China. Below is the full text:
From December 3 to 7, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau paid an official visit to China, and attended the second annual dialogue between Chinese Premier and Canadian Prime Minister. This was a successful visit in the context of the new "golden era" of China-Canada relations and widely covered by the media in both countries. Remarkable achievements have been reached during this visit, giving a strong boost to the development of China-Canada relations.
First, the close exchanges between leaders of both countries play a vital leading role in the development of China-Canada relations. Last year has witnessed the successful mutual visits between Chinese Premier and Canadian Prime Minister. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visited China again a year later. Such close interaction and communication between leaders of both countries amply demonstrate that both sides attach great importance to the bilateral relations. During the visit, leaders of both countries conducted in-depth, candid and fruitful exchanges on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of common concern. They both emphasized that, based on the principles of mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit and win-win results, both countries should continuously develop and deepen China-Canada strategic partnership, safeguard trade liberalization, and promote economic globalization and investment facilitation. Such endeavors have injected new impetus into the development of bilateral relations in the coming future.
Second, the significant outcomes have been reached in bilateral cooperation on coping with climate change and promoting clean growth. Both sides issued the China-Canada Joint Statement on Climate Change and Clean Growth. The statement is the first of its kind between China and Canada in the fields of climate change and clean growth, and demonstrates the determination of both sides to promote global climate governance and the implementation of the Paris Agreement with other parties in the world. It also passes on the positive signals that both sides are committed to enhancing policy exchanges and practical cooperation in related fields. In addition, the decision of establishing two ministerial-level dialogues between respective departments of environment and clean energy will boost bilateral cooperation on energy-efficient technologies and business, explore potential areas for cooperation, promote trade opportunities for climate-friendly products and services, and tap a broader market for bilateral cooperation. This not only shows the performance of China and Canada in fulfilling their international responsibilities, but also meets their needs for domestic development.
Third, the scale and level of practical cooperation between the two countries have been raised. Leaders of both countries concurred in adopting positive measures to further develop bilateral practical cooperation in all fields. Both sides decided to foster more cooperation highlights and expand their cooperation in energy resources, technological innovation, air transportation, financial services, modern agriculture and clean technologies. Both sides agreed to expand cooperation in two-way trade and investment, and encourage enterprises from both countries to invest in China and Canada. The Chinese side welcomes Canadian enterprises to actively participate in the "Belt and Road" initiative. Bilateral endeavors in peaceful use of nuclear energy have scored positive progress. The third party market cooperation in nuclear energy will continue to be promoted. The two countries also signed cooperative documents including the Memorandum of Understanding concerning the Canada Learning Initiative in China, the Action plan Between the National Energy Administration of the People's Republic of China and the Department of National Resources Canada, the Memorandum of Understanding on the Importation and Exportation of Food Products, and so on. China will increase relevant imports from Canada.
Fourth, the tremendous potential in cultural and people-to-people exchanges and cooperation will be further released. Both sides are looking forward to holding a successful 2018 China-Canada Year of Tourism for deeper cooperation in tourism. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visited the headquarters of Sina and recommended Canadian tourism products himself. Up to now, Canada has set seven visa application service centers in China. Both sides agreed to support their airline companies to open more direct flights for convenient personnel exchanges between the two countries. We welcome more Chinese tourists to visit Canada, enjoy the local snacks and purchase characteristic products in 2018. We also hope to attract more Canadians to visit China. The Chinese side is ready to learn the advanced experience from Canada when organizing the 2022 Winter Olympics and expects much more cooperation in winter sports.
With regard to the Free Trade Agreement, both sides agreed to continue the exploratory discussion in a practical and open manner so as to push forward China-Canada free trade building and create conditions for an early start of the negotiation.
Beyond that, leaders of the two countries unanimously agreed to keep close communication within such multilateral frameworks as the United Nations, the G20 and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), and continue enhancing coordination and cooperation on climate change and global issues of mutual concern. Leaders of both countries also exchanged candid views on such issues as human rights and the rule of law. Both sides believed that it is normal for China and Canada to have different views on some issues due to different national conditions. As long as the two sides adhere to the principle of mutual respect and equality, we could achieve mutual understanding, and promote better and further development of China-Canada relations.
I am convinced that, with unremitting efforts of both sides, greater development of China-Canada relations will be achieved in 2018.
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