Chinese FM meets Canadian counterpart in Lima

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with his Canadian counterpart Melanie Joly on Friday in Lima, Peru's capital.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that during Joly's recent visit to China, the two sides engaged in an in-depth exchange of views on improving and developing China-Canada relations, achieving progress and sending positive signals.

However, the development of China-Canada relations continues to experience disturbances from time to time, Wang noted, adding that it is essential for both sides to maintain communication, properly handle differences, and sustain the momentum of continuous improvement.

Wang stated that China and Canada have different political systems, which are choices made by their respective peoples and rooted in each country's history and culture. He emphasized that both nations should adhere to mutual respect, pursue mutual benefit, and aim for win-win outcomes. Wang also highlighted that the two countries share extensive common interests and do not have conflicts of fundamental interests.

Wang expressed hope that Canada will work with China to meet each other halfway, view China's development objectively and rationally, and do more to contribute to the development of bilateral relations and the enhancement of mutual understanding and trust between their peoples, thus promoting cooperation and reducing differences between the two countries.

He noted that Canada's imposition of high tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles violates the spirit of free trade and is not conducive to the healthy development of economic and trade cooperation between the two countries. Canada should earnestly abide by World Trade Organization rules and lift discriminatory restrictions on Chinese products.

Wang stressed that the Taiwan issue concerns China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the one-China principle is the universal consensus of the international community and an important part of the post-World War II international order, which cannot be challenged.

He expressed hope that Canada will fully understand the high sensitivity of the Taiwan question and earnestly abide by the one-China principle.

For her part, Joly said her visit to China was a positive step and helped push bilateral relations back onto the right track. The two sides have made positive progress on increasing direct flights and other issues, which has enhanced the well-being of both peoples.

Canada adheres to the one-China policy and is committed to promoting the development of Canada-China relations. Canada is willing to maintain high-level exchanges with China, properly handle differences, closely cooperate in multilateral mechanisms such as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, and jointly address global problems, she said.