Beijing, Ottawa discuss assurances on free trade

China has called on Canada to join it in safeguarding the global free trade system and promote the creation of the free trade area between the two countries.

Speaking with Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland by phone on Wednesday, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said China has been consistent in upholding free trade and safeguarding a multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization at its core.

The conversation took place shortly after Canada concluded talks for the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement, which has yet to be approved by the governments of all three countries, including the US.