The Canadian prime minister says he will directly address foreign interference with China’s president at an upcoming APEC meeting, as Ottawa attempts to balance economic cooperation with national security concerns.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney plans to raise the issue of foreign interference directly with Chinese President Xi Jinping when the two leaders meet later this month.

Carney confirmed on Tuesday, November 10, that he intends to discuss the importance of preventing outside governments from interfering in Canada’s internal affairs.

The meeting is expected to take place on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Shenzhen on November 18–19.

Carney described direct meetings as an opportunity to raise sensitive issues frankly, indicating that foreign interference will be among the subjects discussed with Xi.

Canada’s concerns about foreign interference

The issue has been a significant source of tension between Ottawa and Beijing.

A Canadian public inquiry into foreign interference heard that Canada’s intelligence agency concluded China had interfered in the country’s 2019 and 2021 federal elections.

Carney previously described China as one of the largest threats in the area of foreign interference.

Beijing has consistently denied seeking to interfere in Canadian domestic affairs.

The upcoming meeting will give Carney an opportunity to raise the issue directly with Xi, although no agreement or specific outcome has yet been announced.

Canada also wants stronger economic ties

Despite the security concerns, Carney’s government is seeking to improve economic relations with China.

Canada has been working to diversify its international trade and reduce its dependence on the United States, which remains its largest trading partner.

The relationship with Beijing has shown signs of improvement following a prolonged period of tension over trade and tariffs.

In February, China announced it would suspend some tariffs on Canadian agricultural products following earlier discussions between the two countries.

Carney’s government is now looking to expand the breadth of trade while maintaining safeguards on sensitive national security issues.

A difficult balance for Ottawa

The upcoming meeting highlights the challenge facing Canada’s foreign policy.

Closer economic relations with China could create additional opportunities for Canadian exporters and businesses. At the same time, concerns about foreign interference, security and political influence remain central to Ottawa’s relationship with Beijing.

The challenge for Carney will be to pursue economic cooperation without appearing to overlook issues that Canadian officials consider important to national sovereignty.

The meeting with Xi is therefore more than a trade discussion. It will also test whether the two governments can address sensitive political disagreements while rebuilding parts of their economic relationship.

No major agreement has been announced ahead of the summit. The outcome of the discussions on November 18–19 will provide a clearer indication of how far Canada and China are prepared to move in improving their relationship.

Sources: Reuters — Carney says he will raise foreign interference with Xi · Bloomberg — Carney’s planned Xi meeting