Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has said he will directly raise concerns about foreign interference in Canada’s internal affairs during his upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.
Speaking to reporters in Montreal on November 10, Carney confirmed that he would meet Xi on the sidelines of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Shenzhen, China, scheduled for November 18–19.
Carney said Canada attaches considerable importance to ensuring that China and other countries do not interfere in its domestic affairs.
“The advantage of these meetings is you can raise issues directly and frankly,” he told reporters, adding that he would discuss Canada’s position on non-interference with the Chinese president. <Cite refs={[“turn868078news36″,”turn868078search1”]}/>
Foreign Interference to Feature in Carney-Xi Talks
The planned discussion comes amid longstanding tensions between Ottawa and Beijing over allegations of foreign interference.
In April 2025, Carney identified China as one of the most significant threats facing Canada in relation to foreign interference.
The issue gained further attention in 2024 when a Canadian public inquiry into foreign interference heard that Canada’s intelligence agency had concluded China interfered in the country’s 2019 and 2021 federal elections.
Beijing has consistently rejected allegations that it seeks to interfere in Canada’s domestic affairs.
On November 11, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun reiterated Beijing’s position, saying China follows the principle of non-interference in other countries’ internal affairs and has no interest in interfering in Canada’s domestic matters. <Cite refs={[“turn868078search13″,”turn868078search16”]}/>
The exchange highlights a key issue that both leaders are expected to address as they seek to manage differences while maintaining diplomatic and economic engagement.
Canada and China Seek to Strengthen Economic Relations
Despite political and security disagreements, Canada is pursuing closer economic relations with China as part of its efforts to diversify trade and reduce dependence on the United States.
Relations between Ottawa and Beijing experienced a prolonged period of tension, particularly over trade restrictions, tariffs and foreign interference allegations.
However, Carney’s visit to China in January 2026 marked an effort to improve bilateral relations and establish a more practical framework for economic cooperation.
Following the visit, China announced in February that it would suspend certain tariffs on Canadian agricultural products, including canola meal, peas, lobsters and crabs. The measures were scheduled to take effect on March 1 and remain in place through the end of 2026. <Cite refs={[“turn868078search12″,”turn868078search0”]}/>
The two countries also reached an arrangement involving Canadian canola exports and Chinese electric vehicles. Under the agreement, Canada agreed to allow imports of up to 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles annually at a reduced tariff rate of 6.1 per cent, alongside changes to duties affecting Canadian canola seed. <Cite refs={[“turn868078search12”]}/>
These developments indicate efforts to restore trade cooperation despite continuing disagreements over other issues.
Security and Trade Expected on APEC Agenda
According to Canadian Press reporting, Carney also intends to discuss the broader global security environment and the economic partnership between Canada and China during his meeting with Xi.
He has described the economic relationship as one that is deepening but operates within clearly defined limits and safeguards.
The meeting will therefore provide an opportunity for both leaders to discuss trade, diplomatic relations and security concerns directly. <Cite refs={[“turn868078search1″,”turn868078search7”]}/>
The 2026 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting will bring together leaders from Asia-Pacific economies in Shenzhen on November 18–19. The summit is expected to address regional economic cooperation, trade, connectivity and other shared priorities. <Cite refs={[“turn868078search4″,”turn868078search10”]}/>
Carney’s planned engagement with Xi comes at a time when Canada is seeking to balance its economic interests with concerns over national security and foreign interference.
The outcome of the meeting could help clarify the direction of Canada-China relations as both governments pursue economic opportunities while managing persistent political differences.
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