Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper wants to attend this year’s ceremony to remember Canada’s war dead, particularly after two soldiers were murdered last week.
Photo Credit: Adrian Wyld/Canadian Press

China says Canadian leader will visit in November

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi says Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper will visit China in early November. Harper cancelled plans to attend the Asia-Pacific Summit from November 7-11 because he wanted to attend the Remembrance Day ceremony held every year on November 11th. Harper’s office has not confirmed the visit to China.

On that day, ceremonies across the country honour Canada’s war dead. They have taken on a greater importance this year because of the recent murders of two Canadian soldiers inside the country. A gunman shot one soldier in front of the National War Memorial, stormed Parliament and then was shot dead.

Relations strained

Relations between the two countries were strained after Canada accused China of hacking into a government computer network in late July. Less than a week later, a Canadian couple was detained for allegedly stealing defence and military research secrets.  Kevin and Julia Garratt have not been formally arrested or charged, but are still being detained separately and interrogated regularly. They have been denied access to legal counsel.

In September, Canada ratified a foreign investment protection agreement with China that could help smooth tensions between the two countries.

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