The Canadian Finance Minister is on a five-day visit to China, amid rising concerns about a trade war between China and Canada's southern neighbor and close trade partner -- the United States. CGTN's Han Peng caught up with him for his take.

HAN PENG SHANGHAI "Your visit comes at a time when some people would call a looming trade war between China and the US. This morning, China imposed tariffs on 128 products imported from the United States, including pork and fruits. We know that many of these products are also imported from Canada, as Canada is a very important exporter of these goods to the Chinese market. How do you think that these would affect the trilateral relationship between China, Canada and the United States? And do you think that China's levying of tariffs on the US goods will somehow provide more business opportunities for Canadian export? "

BILL MORNEAU CANADA MINISTER OF FINANCE "We are here, I'm here, because we see the importance of the trade relationship between Canada and China. We recognize that the US-China relationship is going through some challenges. Our approach is to clearly demonstrate through our policies and through our actions that we see the benefits of rules-based trading relationship, and that Canada-China relationship has significant potential for improving both our economies. So while those discussions between China and the US that are going on may create business opportunities for Canadian firms in working together with China, that's not the reason I'm here. We are here because we want to enhance the long-term relationship. This is about an annual initiative to be here in China to talk about the Canadian economy and the opportunities together. And about expanding our relationship in more than just what we have seen in the free trade agreement. It's about expanding our relationship with educational exchange, with tourist exchange, and with businesses already invested in China. That's our goal."