Trudeau’s Beijing Scramble Is Canada’s Latest Trade Stumble
- Canada teed up ‘objective’ of China trade talks to no avail
- Leaders downplay tension; official holds out hope for progress
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Monday could have been a turning point in China-Canada relations. Instead, it was a false start.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s latest trip to China was preceded by a slew of signals that the countries would launch free-trade talks. Canadian lawmakers said flatly that was the goal; exploratory talks had just wrapped; Canada released a public consultation teeing things up; and Trudeau’s trade chief, Francois-Philippe Champagne, spoke about the allure of the Chinese market -- while also warning no decision had been made.