China, Canada looking to ‘reset ties’

Xi notes ‘recovery and improvement’

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United States President Donald Trump and China's President Xi Jinping arrive for talks at the Gimhae Air Base, located next to the Gimhae International Airport in Busan, South Korea, on Thursday. AFP

(AFP)

China's and Canada’s leaders met yesterday for the first formal sitdown in eight years as the two nations look to reset ties strained over trade and security issues.

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney on the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Economic Community meeting in Gyeongju, South Korea.

Mr Carney said he welcomed an invitation for him to visit China extended by Mr Xi.

Mr Xi said at the start of their meeting, “In recent times, after mutual efforts, China-Canada ties have shown a recovery and improvement trend. This aligns with both countries' mutual interest”.

“Our countries have a long history of engagement,” Mr Carney said, noting the recent 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties with Communist-ruled China.