Today's Briefing:

18 signals tracked · Low — Stable bilateral relations with minimal friction

Canada-China Relations
Low
Stable bilateral relations with minimal friction
Canada-China bilateral trade (December 2025)
$10.2B
Imports from China: $7.0B Exports to China: $3.2B
“China confirms visa-free travel for UK and Canadian nationals.”
— BBC China

Top Signals

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· BBC China ·

China confirms visa-free travel for UK and Canadian nationals.

UK and Canadian nationals will be able to enter mainland China visa-free for up to 30 days starting February 17. Aimed at tourism, business, and family visits, this policy follows a previous agreement between UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Chinese President Xi Jinping during Sir Keir’s official visit last month. The move aligns China’s travel rules with those of over 50 other countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Australia, and Japan. This change could benefit around 620,000...

Ottawa's View

This relaxation of the visa policy reflects the improvement in relations between Canada and China. While Prime Minister Stephen Harper (Sir Keir Starmer) acknowledged that this could benefit businesses in expanding into the Chinese market, many critics remain concerned that it overlooks human rights issues and national security concerns in China.

Beijing's View

China confirms that British and Canadian citizens can obtain a 30-day visa exemption for tourism, business, or visitation in Mainland China, effective from February 17. This policy adjustment aligns with the consensus reached between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during his visit to Canada. However, this measure has drawn domestic criticism over human rights and national security issues. The Chinese government firmly opposes any foreign interference and believes that accusations against China are an improper form of interference in its internal affairs.

Legal · ASPI Strategist ·

Canada mustn’t forget political prisoners in its China reset

Summary: Prime Minister Mark Carney's visit to China signals a reset in Canada-China relations. However, this effort should come with conditions, including the release of pro-democracy publisher Jimmy Lai. Lai was convicted for his critical journalism, facing life imprisonment despite the lack of fair trial. His mother and relatives are Canadian citizens, highlighting the need for principled action from Canada in upholding human rights principles.

Ottawa's View

Beijing is seizing upon tensions in the United States–Canada relationship to provide a fig leaf to the Canadian government—and much of the rest of the world—presenting itself as an alternative trusted partner in trade and investment

Beijing's View

Legal discourse centers on 'national security' and 'rule of law with Chinese characteristics.' Foreign legal actions may be characterized as 'long-arm jurisdiction.'

Legal · Macdonald-Laurier Institute ·
Elevated

‘Chinese court rules against Xi’s tariffs’ and other headlines you won’t see: Daniel Dorman in The Hill

In recent polling, a majority of Canadians (52%) have either moderately or very negative views of the U.S., with only 30% holding positive views. Favorable opinions towards China are on the rise in Canada, increasing from 10% in 2021 to 27% by late 2025. These shifts align with statements from Canadian government officials such as Minister Melanie Joly’s criticism of unpredictable U.S.-China trade discussions and Prime Minister Mark Carney's negative rhetoric towards the U.S., including a speech at Davos that criticized President Trump, all while Canada signed a new trade deal with China.

Ottawa's View

According torecent polling, a majority of Canadians now have a moderately negative (22 percent) or very negative (40 percent) view of the U

Beijing's View

Legal discourse centers on 'national security' and 'rule of law with Chinese characteristics.' Foreign legal actions may be characterized as 'long-arm jurisdiction.'