Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, (left) on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, June 1, 2016. Trudeau will be on an official visit to China at the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang beginning August 30, 2016.
Photo Credit: CP / Adrian Wyld

Prime Minister Trudeau invited to China before G20

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is going to China on an official visit, invited by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, the Prime Minister’s Office announced today.

The trip begins on August 30th, until September 6 when he will also take part in the G20 leaders’ summit in Hangzhou on September 4th and 5th.

“On this trip, I will strive for a closer, more balanced relationship between Canada and China”

The visit includes stops in Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou and Hong Kong. Described as an opportunity for Trudeau to connect with Chinese leaders in government, business and the public at large, Trudeau says a stronger relationship with China will create new opportunities for Canadian business and the economy.

“On this trip, I will strive for a closer, more balanced relationship between Canada and China, one that unlocks the untapped potential in our two countries’ commercial ties, and advances important issues like good governance, the rule of law and the environment,” he said in a statement.

Of the summit, Trudeau said Canada views the work of G20 as a key factor in promoting global growth and prosperity.

Premier Li Keqiang…  to visit Canada in mid-September

“We place great importance on working with our G20 partners to help address some of the world’s most pressing challenges, like climate change, migration, and sustainable development.”

At the Hangzhou Summit, G20 leaders will discuss measures to improve global economic growth and investment, create jobs, strengthen the middle class, reinforce the resilience of the global financial system, and increase trade and investment.

Premier Li Keqiang, China’s second-highest-ranking leader, is then scheduled to visit Canada in mid-September, for several days prior to the United Nations meetings in New York City, beginning September 19th, 2016.

It will be China’s first high-level visit since 2010, and is seen as an effort to end a chilly chapter in the cross-Pacific relationship. The Premier will visit Vancouver, Ottawa and Montreal, in what is described as a “working visit” which does not include the ceremony that accompanies an official visit.

It’s understood China wants to begin free-trade talks, but from Canada, the ongoing detention of missionary Kevin Garratt in China, as well as current trade issues, such as improving market access for Canadian canola for example, are in need of resolution.

The Canadian government is also interested in joining the China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank

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