Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney arrived in Beijing on January 14, 2026, for a significant four-day official visit to China, marking the first such trip by a Canadian leader in eight years. The visit, extending until January 17, is primarily aimed at recalibrating and enhancing Canada-China relations, which have faced considerable strain in recent years. Carney, who became Prime Minister approximately ten months ago, is striving to mend ties following diplomatic tensions under his predecessor, Justin Trudeau, particularly over issues like the 2018 arrest of a Huawei executive and retaliatory tariffs. During his visit, Prime Minister Carney has already held meetings with high-ranking Chinese officials, including Premier Li Qiang, with a crucial meeting with President Xi Jinping scheduled. Discussions are focusing on a wide array of bilateral issues, encompassing trade, energy, and agriculture, with a particular emphasis on resolving ongoing tariff disputes. China had imposed tariffs on Canadian canola oil, meal, and peas, while Canada had implemented tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. Both sides have expressed a desire to move towards a new era of cooperation and strategic partnership. Carney's trip is also part of a broader Canadian strategy to diversify its global trade relationships and reduce economic reliance on the United States, especially amidst new tariffs imposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump. The Canadian delegation, which includes Foreign Minister Anita Anand and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, aims to secure tangible progress in economic engagement and foster greater stability and prosperity between the two nations. Chinese state media have highlighted the visit as an opportunity for Canada to uphold its 'strategic autonomy' in foreign policy.