Beijing clarifies its new trade pact with Ottawa is not a strategic move against Washington, following US threats of 100% tariffs on Canadian goods.
BEIJING: China stated on Monday that its preliminary trade deal with Canada “does not target any third parties”.
The clarification came after the United States threatened to impose 100% tariffs on Canadian products if the agreement were finalised.
Foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun emphasised the deal’s bilateral nature at a regular press conference.
“China and Canada have established a new type of strategic partnership… it does not target any third party,” Guo said.
He added that China advocates nations should approach relations with a win-win mindset through cooperation.
The deal, announced this month, would see China reduce tariffs on Canadian canola imports and grant visa-free travel to Chinese nationals.
It was unveiled during Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to Beijing as he seeks to distance from a volatile US under President Donald Trump.
On Sunday, Trump claimed negotiations amounted to China “successfully and completely taking over the once Great Country of Canada”.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned against letting Canada become an opening for Chinese goods to enter the US market.
Canada and the United States have been engaged in a trade war since the Trump administration imposed import duties.
