Canada's Melanie Joly to Discuss Security and Collaboration in Beijing

Canada's Foreign Minister Melanie Joly will meet with Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing. This first visit includes discussions on bilateral relations and security issues. The trip marks efforts to address complex global challenges, despite strained Sino-Canadian relations since 2018. The meeting follows NATO's recent criticism of China's role in geopolitical tensions.

Canada's Foreign Minister Melanie Joly will engage in talks with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing, focusing on bilateral relations and security concerns, Ottawa announced on Thursday. This marks Joly's first visit to China as foreign minister, undertaken at Wang's invitation, according to a statement from the Canadian foreign ministry.

The diplomats plan to address global and regional security topics and explore potential collaborations to tackle mutual challenges. Joly emphasized Canada's commitment to pragmatic international engagement to further national interests and uphold values amid increasingly complex global issues.

Sino-Canadian relations have been tense since 2018 following the detention of a Chinese executive in Canada and the subsequent arrest of two Canadians in China. Despite their release, allegations of Chinese interference have perpetuated strained relations. Joly's visit coincides with a recent NATO declaration labeling China as a significant enabler of Russia's war in Ukraine and a systemic threat to Euro-Atlantic security. Maintaining open communication and diplomatic efforts are crucial, Joly said. The visit follows her meeting with South Korea's Foreign Minister in Seoul.

(With inputs from agencies.)