Canada’s ties with China are built on strong people-to-people connections, educational exchanges, trade and investment, governance, culture and a commitment to tackle climate change. Recognizing China’s increasingly active role in global affairs and its growing economy, the Government of Canada has made it a priority to deepen and broaden its relationship with China.

“Canada will continue to work with China to deepen and broaden our relationship. As part of these efforts, a constructive engagement on sensitive issues, such as human rights, will—and must—be at the forefront of our discussions.”

- Hon. Chrystia Freeland, P.C., M.P., Minister of Foreign Affairs

• In fall 2016, the Prime Minister visited China and Premier Li Keqiang came to Canada. During these visits, the leaders announced 46 new bilateral initiatives in areas such as trade and investment, as well as environmental protection and climate change. 

• Launched in June 2016, the Canada-China Foreign Affairs Ministers Dialogue is a venue for Canada to discuss current and future bilateral foreign policy issues, such as human rights, regional and global security, environment and climate change, the rule of law and legal cooperation. The dialogue, importantly, allows the two ministers to exchange views on sensitive issues, including consular cases and human rights.

• Canada’s bilateral trade with China reached a value of $85 billion in 2016, and Canada’s two-way foreign direct investment with China stood at almost $34.7 billion at the end of 2016.

• Canada’s merchandise exports to China in 2016 were worth $21 billion, up 4 percent since 2015, with the top exports being forest products, agricultural products, ores and motor vehicles.

• Canadians of Chinese descent make up approximately 4.5 percent of Canada’s population.

• Chinese students are the largest group of international students on Canadian campuses, totalling approximately 132,000 in 2016.

• China is an important tourism market, as Canada’s third-largest source of tourists. In 2016, more than 620,000 Chinese tourists visited Canada.

Associated Links

• Canada in China
• Foreign Affairs Minister concludes successful ASEAN meetings
• Prime Minister Justin Trudeau concludes visit to China
• Prime Minister announces increased collaboration with China
• Joint statement between Canada and the People’s Republic of China
• Canada signs new agreements securing access for canola and beef

Adam Austen
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
Adam.Austen@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
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