But he cautioned against overestimating the importance of the visit, noting that Canada remains a U.S. ally. He is not the first new leader of a country to try to repair relations with China. Relations had deteriorated under the previous conservative government, leading to Chinese trade restrictions on wine, beef, coal and other Australian exports. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has sought to repair ties with China since his Labour Party ousted the Conservatives in 2024. It has indicated it would remove some of the tariffs if Canada were to drop the 100% charge on EVs.

Source: CBC News January 12, 2026 11:33 UTC