Chinese Vice President Han Zheng met with former Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chrétien in Beijing on Monday, emphasizing mutual efforts to stabilize bilateral relations amid growing global economic uncertainties. The discussion marked a continuation of diplomatic engagement following President Xi Jinping's October 2025 meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney during APEC talks in the Republic of Korea.
Han acknowledged Chrétien's historical role in fostering cross-Pacific cooperation, particularly during his 1993-2003 tenure as Canada's leader. The vice president highlighted recent progress since last year's leadership summit, which established frameworks for collaboration in clean energy and sustainable infrastructure development.
"China remains committed to expanding practical cooperation with Canada through dialogue," Han stated, referencing ongoing negotiations in artificial intelligence governance and Arctic shipping routes. Economic complementarity was cited as a key driver, with bilateral trade reaching $142 billion USD in 2025.
Chrétien welcomed China's market liberalization efforts under the 14th Five-Year Plan, noting opportunities in Canada's critical minerals sector. The former PM emphasized the need for "stable channels of communication" to navigate geopolitical challenges while maintaining cultural and educational exchanges.
The meeting concluded with both sides endorsing enhanced parliamentary-level exchanges and preparatory work for the 2026 Canada-China Business Council forum in Vancouver.
