Top Canadian visit signals improved dialogue

By Zhang Xin and Zou Jianye (China Daily)
Updated: 2009-05-13 07:55

Canadian Prime Minister Steven Harper may visit China this year to step up a "frank, friendly and forward-looking" relationship, Canadian Foreign Minister Lawrence Cannon said in Beijing Tuesday.

"Canada shows its willingness to engage China in a closer manner in bilateral and multilateral relations so Sino-Canada relations will be promoted towards the right direction," Cannon said during his first visit to China in his current capacity.

Responding to the A(H1N1) virus outbreak, Cannon said in a speech at China Foreign Affairs University Tuesday that the upcoming dialogue between Canadian and Chinese ministers scheduled for June in Canada will be a great opportunity to promote communication, coordinate efforts and advance common interests in international health.

He also said Canada's pork exports were dealt a blow during the H1N1 flu outbreak and urged parties, China included, to lift the import bans as "there is still no scientific evidence relating pork safety with the epidemic".

Cannon dubbed trade and investment "a key area of interest", noting that six new trade offices were opened weeks ago in China to facilitate two-way trade and investment.

"It is important that we continue to work together to address the immediate global economic problems," Cannon said, pointing out that now is not the time for protectionism.

Chinese experts applauded the visit of the Canadian foreign minister and the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Harper, but noted that the Sino-Canada relationship has been "inconsistent" in the last few years.

"There has been inadequate exchange among top leaders of both countries since Premier Wen's visit to Canada in 2005, coupled with Prime Minister Steven Harper's absence from the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, raising questions about bilateral relations," said Wang Honggang, an expert on Canadian studies at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations.

Wang said Canada's domestic political climate has shifted since the Conservatives took office and played up the difference in human rights standards, which has negatively influenced diplomatic relations.

"The recent 'China Threat' fear, combined with insufficient dialogue, also contributed to inconsistent relations," Wang said, noting China enjoyed a sound relationship with the previous Canadian administration.