Reciprocal cooperation

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper arrived in Beijing late on Tuesday for a five-day visit to China. He has come at an important moment when both sides feel an increasing need to bring bilateral ties to a new level.

This is Harper's first visit to China after his re-election in May 2011 and his second as prime minister. The fact that he is accompanied by five ministers, six members of parliament and 40 business executives indicates his government is looking to garner lucrative business deals with China.

As long as both sides can base their cooperation on equality and reciprocity, there is a huge potential for China and Canada to tap the potential in such fields as trade, natural resources, science and technology, finance, culture and tourism.