China Signals Desire to Mend Fractured Relations with Canada, But Sets Conditions
In a move aimed at improving bilateral ties, China has expressed its willingness to mend its fractured relations with Canada. However, Beijing has also made it clear that it will not tolerate Canadian criticism of its human rights record, a key sticking point in the strained relationship.
The comments came during a meeting between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Canadian Foreign Minister Marc Garneau in Beijing on Monday. Wang Yi said that China is willing to work with Canada to strengthen cooperation and improve relations, but emphasized that Beijing will not compromise on its core interests, including its human rights record.
"We hope that Canada can understand and respect China’s position on this issue," Wang Yi said. "We are willing to work with Canada to strengthen cooperation in various fields, but we will not tolerate any interference in China’s internal affairs or criticism of our human rights record."
The statement is seen as a clear warning to Canada that Beijing will not tolerate any criticism of its human rights record, which has been a major point of contention between the two countries. Canada has been vocal in its criticism of China’s treatment of minority groups, including the Uighur Muslims and Tibetans, as well as its detention of two Canadian citizens, Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, on charges of espionage.
The two Michaels, as they are known, were detained in December 2018, shortly after Canada arrested Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou on behalf of the United States. The detention of the two Canadians has been widely seen as a move by China to pressure Canada to release Meng, who is facing extradition to the United States.
Despite the strained relations, Wang Yi said that China is willing to work with Canada to strengthen cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, and security. He also expressed hope that Canada will lift its restrictions on Chinese telecommunications company Huawei, which has been a major point of contention between the two countries.
The meeting between Wang Yi and Garneau comes at a time when China is facing growing international pressure over its human rights record. The United States, Canada, and other Western countries have been critical of China’s treatment of minority groups, and have imposed sanctions on Chinese officials and entities accused of human rights abuses.
Canada has also been pushing for greater transparency and accountability from China on its human rights record, and has called for the release of the two Michaels. However, Beijing has shown no signs of backing down, and has instead accused Canada of interfering in its internal affairs.
The standoff between China and Canada is likely to continue, with both sides dug in on their positions. However, the meeting between Wang Yi and Garneau may signal a willingness by China to engage in dialogue and find common ground, even if it means compromising on some issues.
As the two countries navigate their complex relationship, one thing is clear: China will not tolerate any criticism of its human rights record, and Canada will continue to push for greater transparency and accountability from Beijing. The outcome of this standoff will have significant implications for the future of bilateral relations between China and Canada.