But it is the prospect of trade talks that has garnered attention in the days before Trudeau’s trip. The prime minister announced “exploratory talks” on free trade after his first official visit to China for a G20 summit last year. International Trade Minister François-Philippe Champagne says Canada hasn’t decided yet whether to launch trade talks with China. Human rights groups warn that lawyers defending activists in the country have been harshly curtailed, freedom of expression is limited, and opponents of the state are jailed. “The fear is that you cash in on the action and turn a blind eye to human rights violations, which gives China a licence to continue its practices,” said Gloria Nafziger, an Amnesty campaigner.

Source: thestar December 01, 2017 22:41 UTC