Flashback as Xi angrily rebukes Tredeau for “leaking” to the media about Canada-China relations

Trudeau's commitment to dialogue

“In Canada, we believe in free, open and frank dialogue, and we will continue to have that,” Trudeau said, interrupting Xi’s translator. “We will continue to try to work together constructively, but there will be things on which we will disagree.”

Tensions and worries

Xi gestured with his hands and replied that the two leaders had to “create the conditions first.” The conversation ended with a handshake, but Trudeau appeared strengthened as they parted ways.

That uncomfortable exchange, as well as their previous discussion, followed repeated warnings from Trudeau and other officials about China's attempts to undermine Canadian democracy. In January, Canadian intelligence informed lawmakers of its belief that China interfered in the 2019 federal election. According to recent media reports, Beijing also financed a covert network of candidates. In addition, Canadian police charged a Quebec energy company researcher with espionage for allegedly sending trade secrets to China.

Broader topics of discussion

After their first conversation, Trudeau's team said he and Xi also touched on the Russian invasion of Ukraine and North Korea, as well as the importance of the upcoming Cop15 biodiversity conference in December, where China and Canada will join nations to “protect nature and combat “The climate will change,” sources said.

Analysis of Xi's approach

Stephanie Carvin, a professor of international relations at Carleton University in Ottawa, noted that Xi likely disapproved of how news of his meeting with Trudeau was leaked to Canadian media. As a result, he adopted a more confrontational stance to “save face” for future encounters with the Canadian prime minister.

“Ultimately, Canada is neither Europe nor the United States, and Xi knows he can take a more aggressive stance publicly. “In addition, he can use Canada as an example for other countries without having major consequences,” she explained.

Diplomatic snub

With tensions still high between the two nations, Trudeau has been excluded from any formal meetings with Xi, a diplomatic snub. The Chinese leader made time for a more than three-and-a-half-hour meeting with US President Joe Biden in Bali, along with French President Emmanuel Macron and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

Dealing with China

After the tense interaction, Trudeau noted that not every conversation with Chinese leadership would be “easy,” but stressed that Canada must be able to “engage constructively and directly while being there to challenge human rights and values, that are important to us.” Canadians.”