"Interference from third parties" harms the development of China-Canada bilateral ties, stressed the Chinese Ambassador to Canada Cong Peiwu during a speech on the experiences and lessons learned throughout the China-Canada relationship delivered at the 10th National Forum on Canada-China Economic Policy Webinar.

"The United States' conduct in the Meng Wanzhou incident amounts to a barbaric act of bullying that goes against the basic norms of international relations," Cong said. "Regrettably, Canada has been taken advantage of by the U.S. and acted as an accomplice. It should seriously reflect on its role in it."

Noting that the Meng Wanzhou incident is causing difficulties in the relations between China and Canada, Cong reiterated that this incident is a serious political incident concocted by the United States to suppress Huawei and other Chinese high-tech companies. 

As the facts pile up, the political nature of this case is becoming increasingly clear, and more and more insightful Canadians see the truth clearly, he added.

As for the bilateral ties in economy, Cong said that throughout the development of the relationship, the two countries have complemented each other's economies and shared prosperity.

Over the past 50 years, total trade between China and Canada has increased nearly 500 times, from 150 million to 74 billion U.S. dollars last year. For several consecutive years, China has remained Canada's second largest trading partner, export market and source of imports. 

By the end of 2019, Canada's cumulative investment in China was nearly 11 billion U.S. dollars, and each year, 1.5 million people travel between the two nations and more than 200,000 Chinese students study in Canada, according to Cong.

Looking to the future, the ambassador further elaborated that there are neither past grievances nor major conflicts of interest between China and Canada and a healthy and stable relationship between them is in the common interest of their two peoples. 

"However, any relationship can only remain stable and far-reaching if both parties adhere to the principles of mutual respect and equal treatment," he added.