OTTAWA — Canada’s trade minister is downplaying the forthcoming departure of China’s outspoken envoy to Ottawa, saying differences between the countries stretch beyond anything at the ambassador’s level. Lu, 54, has also served as China’s ambassador to Senegal and as a counsellor for its foreign service in France, according to a biography on the embassy’s website. Soon after arriving in Canada, Lu said he was struck by the negative view of China that he saw taking shape. Carr said Canada is still keen to send government inspectors to China to explore evidence of pests in the canola shipments. Former Canadian diplomat Colin Robertson, who is now vice-president of the Canadian Global Affairs Institute, said Lu’s departure presents an opportunity to reset the relationship.

Source: National Post June 05, 2019 18:11 UTC