Ambassador: Canada to advance China ties 'at a rapid pace'

May noted that the world is living through "a period of profound global upheaval, an era shaped by shifting geopolitics and economic volatility," yet "within this uncertainty, there is also opportunity."

"That is why Prime Minister has committed to doubling Canada's non-US exports over the next decade," an "ambitious goal requires increased engagement" with economies including China, she added.

Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand welcomes China's recent decision to reinstates Canada as an approved destination for organized Chinese tour groups, the envoy said, calling it a move that builds on efforts to enhance air connectivity between the two countries and will increase people-to-people exchanges and understanding.

China has long been Canada's second-largest trading partner, second-largest source of imports, and second-largest export market.

Canada began exporting liquefied natural gas to China in April. In the first eight months of this year, Canada's exports to China increased by 7.8 percent year-on-year, according to Chinese Foreign Ministry.

"Cooperation between the two countries in trade, energy, and cultural exchanges has yielded fruitful results, and has brought tangible benefits to the people of both nations," Yang, president of the CPAFFC, said.

In recent years, China-Canada relations were at a low point, with exchanges and cooperation across various fields encountering difficulties, he noted.

It is in the immediate interests of the people of both countries that ended up being affected by the fluctuations in bilateral relations, he added.

"Looking ahead, China and Canada should translate the important consensus reached by our leaders into concrete actions and work together to steer our relations back to a healthy, stable, and sustainable path at an early date, so as to better benefit our two peoples," he said.

May noted that Canadian products and expertise are popular in the Chinese market, ranging from education, financial services, sustainable infrastructure to clean, conventional energy, where her country "can help China simultaneously meet its growing energy needs and climate goals."

She said "this is one of our most consequential trading relationships," and Canada is committed to working with China "as we look to address trade challenges and advance cooperation to shape a forward-looking economic relationship."

At the reception, both Yang and May referred to the sacrifice of Dr. Norman Bethune, who is not just a national hero in China, but also a historic symbol of two-way friendship.

"Fifty-five years is a milestone that invites us to reflect on our history, what we have achieved together, and how we navigated deeply complex and changing times," May said.

"I want to be very clear that we are here to build this relationship and to build it strong," she added.