The healthy and stable development of China-Canada relations is in the mutual interests of both countries, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Tuesday.
Guo Jiakun, the spokesman, made the statement at a press briefing in Beijing in response to a media question about bilateral relations following Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's official visit to China from Jan 14 to 17. This visit marked the first trip to China by a Canadian leader in eight years.
"The sound and steady development of China-Canada relations serves the common interests of both countries and is conducive to peace, stability, development, and prosperity in the world. China’s position on developing China-Canada relations has been consistent and clear. China stands ready to work with Canada, with a responsible attitude toward history, the people, and the world, to advance the building of the China-Canada new strategic partnership, and steer our relations onto a sound, steady, and sustainable track of development, so as to deliver greater benefits to our two peoples," said the spokesman.
Healthy, stable China-Canada relationship conforms to common interests: spokesman
China will firmly uphold and respect an inclusive, rules-based multilateral trading system in which the rules apply equally to all countries, Vice Premier He Lifeng said on Tuesday as he warned against a return to the "law of the jungle" approach to global trade.
In a special address at the 2026 annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, He said China has consistently honored its commitments since joining the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2001.
He said China will continue to act as a responsible participant in the multilateral system while supporting reforms of multilateral institutions including the WTO and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). "The rules must apply equally to everyone. A handful of countries should not enjoy privileges based on their strength, and the world must not return to the 'law of the jungle,' where the strong bully the weak. Every country is entitled to defend its legitimate rights and interests. Since joining the WTO, China has strictly followed the organization's rules, earnestly fulfilled its commitments and taken voluntary steps to contribute more. Last year, it solemnly announced that it will not seek new special and differential treatment in the current and future negotiations at the WTO. China will continue to firmly uphold the WTO-centered, rules-based multilateral trading system and firmly support the reforms of multilateral institutions, including the WTO and the IMF," he said.
"With a view to enhancing the authority, effectiveness and inclusiveness of the multilateral trading system and increasing the representation of the Global South and developing countries, China is glad to see countries reaching trade agreements that are mutually beneficial, but these agreements should comply with WTO rules," he said.
Under the theme "A Spirit of Dialogue," the 2026 WEF meeting opened on Monday in the Swiss Alpine town of Davos and will run through Friday. About 3,000 leaders and experts worldwide are gathering to discuss five pressing global challenges, including enhancing cooperation, unlocking new sources of growth and deploying innovation at scale and responsibly.
China to firmly uphold multilateral trading system, warns against "law of jungle": vice premier
