Residents living in Canada's biggest city of Toronto have expressed optimism that Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's official visit to China can unlock new economic opportunities, particularly in key fields such as artificial intelligence and infrastructure.
Carney is set to arrive in China on Wednesday to begin a four-day visit at the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang, marking the first trip by a Canadian prime minister to China since 2017.
A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson confirmed Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet with Carney during his stay to provide new strategic guidance for further improving and developing China-Canada relations.
Giving their assessment of the significance of the visit and the outcomes they hope to see achieved, local people in Toronto pointed to the importance of deepening cooperation and view the high-tech sector as one of the most pivotal areas where ties can be enhanced.
"I think, of course, China is probably the leader in AI and new technologies. So, I think Canada can really benefit from Chinese expertise on some of the chip manufacturing or just the use of AI in the medical field, in every other finance field and everything. So, I think this can be very important for Canada to learn from China," said Raman, the provincial liaison manager at the Canadian Federation of Independent Business.
"I think it is a good idea to strengthen relations with other countries and other trade partners that have been probably more consistent. And especially with things going on in electronics right now and chip manufacturing, I do think that it makes sense at this point in time to be reaching out to China," said Jen, a local nurse.
Some see Carney's visit as an opportunity to broaden the economic agenda in various other key areas.
"I'm actually pretty looking forward to it because they could talk a lot about trade. That could be a good opportunity for Canada and China to explore some other export opportunities on energy, and also, maybe pipeline building, infrastructure building, and also, real estate investment and agriculture," said Xiong Lulu, an equity research analyst.
Looking ahead, many residents emphasize that much depends on whether Carney's visit can translate into concrete agreements.
"It would be nice. I hope there's some kind of good relationship between China and Canada. That would be like a great opportunity that we would miss if we didn't create that relationship with them. So, hopefully, in hindsight, [in] 2026 it does happen," said John, a software developer.
"I think if they can settle some trade deals, that will be great. So, I think it will be great for the Canadian economy," said Xiong.
President Xi and Carney last met on the sidelines of the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in the Republic of Korea (ROK) in October, with both sides agreeing to resume exchanges and cooperation in various fields and jointly advance the development of the China-Canada strategic partnership.
Toronto residents optimistic about Canada-China cooperation prospects
Toronto residents optimistic about Canada-China cooperation prospects
U.S. President Donald Trump's administration on Wednesday announced the launch of the second phase of the Gaza peace plan, shifting the focus from ceasefire to demilitarization, technocratic governance and reconstruction.
"Today, on behalf of President Trump, we are announcing the launch of Phase Two of the President's 20-Point Plan to End the Gaza Conflict, moving from ceasefire to demilitarization, technocratic governance, and reconstruction," U.S. presidential special envoy Steve Witkoff posted on social media platform X.
"Phase Two establishes a transitional technocratic Palestinian administration in Gaza, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), and begins the full demilitarization and reconstruction of Gaza, primarily the disarmament of all unauthorized personnel," he said.
The announcement reiterated the U.S. side's expectation that Hamas would comply fully with its obligations, including the immediate return of the final deceased hostage. The envoy warned that failure to comply "will bring serious consequences."
Following the announcement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it will not affect Israel's demand that Hamas must make a full effort to return the last body of an Israeli hostage held in Gaza.
Egypt, Qatar and Türkiye announced on Wednesday the completion of forming a Palestinian technocratic committee to administer Gaza, according to a joint statement issued by the Egyptian Foreign Ministry.
The three mediators described the move as "an important development" toward enhancing stability and improving humanitarian conditions in the enclave, noting that the committee is headed by Ali Abdel Hamid Shaath, a veteran engineer and former deputy planning minister in the Palestinian Authority.
The mediators voiced hope that the formation of the committee would pave the way for the implementation of the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, in line with the U.S.-proposed plan, and help to cement calm and prevent a return to escalation.
The announcement followed a meeting held earlier in the day in Cairo among Palestinian factions and political forces, which affirmed in a statement their full commitment to implementing the Gaza ceasefire agreement and called on Israel to halt its aggression and open border crossings.
A delegation of senior leaders from Hamas arrived in Cairo on Tuesday evening, headed by Khalil al-Hayya, the movement's leader in Gaza.
Hamas said in a statement that the delegation would hold talks with Egyptian officials on completing the implementation of the ceasefire agreement, accelerating the transition to its second phase, including the formation of an independent administrative committee to manage Gaza, and completing the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the enclave.
The Gaza ceasefire agreement continues to face challenges amid mutual accusations between Hamas and Israel of violations, with casualties still being reported since its entry into force.
Brokered by Egypt, Qatar, Türkiye, and the United States, an ongoing ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect on Oct. 10, 2025, following two years of conflict. However, Gaza's health authorities said Wednesday that at least 449 people have been killed and 1,246 injured since the ceasefire began.
Since Oct. 7, 2023, Israel's military campaign in Gaza has killed 71,439 Palestinians and wounded 171,324 others, while causing widespread destruction and worsening humanitarian conditions in the enclave, the authorities added.
U.S. announces launch of phase 2 of Gaza peace plan
